An exchange of fire broke out after an explosive device was thrown at a military detachment in Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Maguindanao del Sur allegedly by unidentified armed individuals evening on Sunday, July 19, 2026.

According to the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR), the attack against personnel of the Bravo Company, 34th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army at the Linantangan Patrol Base in Barangay Linantangan happened around 6:45 p.m.

PRO-BAR said the exchange of gunfire lasted for about 20 minutes.

No one was reported injured in the incident.

The Army’s 6th Infantry Battalion said the series of grenade-throwing incidents and attacks may have been carried out as a possible act of retaliation against government troops.

“Ini-expect naman natin ‘yun dahil nung namatay si Commander Bungus ng BIFF noong July 5, at ‘yung series of surrenders ng  nakaraang mga buwan, ini-expect natin na magkaroon ng retaliation ‘yung natitira pang miyembro. ‘yung kaya lang din nilang gawin,” 6th Infantry Division (6ID) Spokesperson, Lt. Col. Ronald Suscano, said.

It can be recalled that prior to the attack, two soldiers and three civilians were injured after a hand grenade went off on the road in Barangay Mother Poblacion, Shariff Aguak town around 6:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 18, 2026.

Authorities are still confirming which group opened fire after the explosion.

Tight security measures have been implemented in the town, especially that the first BARMM parliamentary elections are approaching.

“Nagbigay tayo ng alert memo to double the effort sa mga security measures natin especially ‘yung sa mga motorcycle passing by o ‘di kaya napahinto sa mga command post. Thinking nagpapahinga  or merong inaayos sa mga motor, ‘yun pala  nagsu-surveillance na,” Suscano added.