Army stops armed clash in Maguindanao del Sur, recovers weapons

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao del Norte – Government troops intercepted two armed Moro factions on the brink of violent confrontation Sunday morning in Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Maguindanao del Sur, preventing potential civilian displacement, the military reported Monday.

Acting on civilian alerts, soldiers from the 6th Infantry Battalion arrived in Barangay Ganta around 6 a.m. as the unidentified armed groups prepared to engage.

The factions fled upon spotting government forces, abandoning two modified Garand rifles (converted to M14 configuration), a fragmentation grenade, and ammunition.

"This swift intervention averted what could have been a deadly clan war," said Lt. Col. Al Victor Burkley, noting the area's history of "rido" (clan feuds).

Brig. Gen. Edgar Catu has placed all 601st Brigade units on heightened alert for similar incidents across the province.

The 6th Infantry Division commended local residents for their vigilance.

"Community cooperation is vital in maintaining peace," said Major Gen. Donald Gumiran, citing a 40 percent reduction in armed encounters this year due to improved civilian-military coordination. (PNA)