DAVAO CITY – The 6th Infantry Division is looking at a whole-of-government approach to resolve recurring clashes among rival armed groups in Central Mindanao, more particularly Midsayap, Cotabato, and Nabalawag, Special Geographic Area, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Major Gen. Jose Vladimir Cagara, 6th ID chief, said that there is a need to analyze and identify the root causes of conflicts between warring groups in the area to be able to address these properly.

Cagara issued the statement following clashes among Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) fighters last week where two people were killed, five injured, and displaced over 1,500 families.

The skirmishes erupted last March 5 due to feud or rido in the boundary of the towns of Midsayap and Nabalawag.

“Mediation is just a band-aid solution,” Cagara said, adding that while this solution had been done in the past, clashes still occur. “This time we are introducing a Special Conflict Mediation and Reconciliation Framework which has been tested already in Datu Abudallah Sangki (Magundanao del Sur) to resolve a community-based conflict,” the Army officer said.

This approach was proven effective when it was implemented in 2023. Since then, not a single clash has occurred, said Cagara.

In most cases, he added, the feud stems from injustices and land grabbing. Thus, it needs a specific government agency to address specific issues, Cagara said.

“This conflict requires a whole government approach. It should be a concerted effort among government agencies, not just the military. The local chief executives should be the one leading in addressing the conflict,” he added.

The police and military launched a joint law enforcement operation on March 6 to pacify warring groups.

However, an armed group believed to be affiliated with Nabalawag Mayor Renz Tukuran engaged government forces, said 602nd Brigade commander Brig. Gen. Ricky Bunayog. He said government forces were able to drive away the armed group after an hour.

Bunayog added that the proliferation of loose firearms is among the factors that contributed to tension in the area. “Despite efforts to resolve the issues peacefully and if there are still unresolved issues, conflict still recur due to proliferation of loose firearms,” Bunayog said.

The clashes in Midsayap and Nabalawag were just among the longstanding internal squabbles among armed groups affiliated with the MILF, more particularly in Central Mindanao.

Bunayog assured that government forces have prepared contingencies to prevent skirmishes from recurring.

Authorities have seized over 13 high-powered firearms, 81-mm mortar, ammunition, explosives, and rifle grenades during clearing operations.

“We have already coordinated with the Philippine National Police, MILF peace mechanisms, and respective local governments to ensure the security of the communities. We are also appealing to all parties to resolve the conflict through dialogue,” Bunayog said.