Military Recovers 7 High-Powered Firearms After Armed Clash in Ligawasan, BARMM
ZAMBOANGA CITY – The military recovered seven high-powered firearms after intervening in a clash between two armed groups in Ligawasan, Special Geographic Area (SGA), Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), that left one person dead, authorities said Thursday.
Maj. Gen. Donald M. Gumiran, commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines–Western Mindanao Command (AFP-WestMinCom), said the firefight erupted Wednesday in Sitio Tuka, Barangay Barungis, Ligawasan municipality, between the groups of Mackly Adam and Barangay Kagawad Taib Sampulna.
During the initial exchange of gunfire, a follower of Sampulna identified as Jiango Sampulna was killed, Gumiran said.
Lt. Col. Erwin Jay E. Dumaghan, commander of the Army’s 40th Infantry (Magiting) Battalion, said troops responded to the area after receiving reports from residents about the gunfight around 6 a.m.
“When our troops arrived, the initial exchange had subsided, but both sides resumed firing. That prompted our soldiers to intervene,” Dumaghan said.
After seven hours of operations, troops conducted a clearing operation and recovered seven high-powered firearms and a grenade at the scene.
Brig. Gen. Ricky P. Bunayog, commander of the 602nd Infantry (Liberator) Brigade, said troops will remain deployed in the area to prevent further hostilities.
“We are preventing the conflict from spilling over and affecting the daily lives of our citizens in Ligawasan,” Bunayog said.
Gumiran commended the quick action of the troops and Ligawasan Mayor Boy Hashim Mama for helping avert a wider conflict.
“The prompt response of our soldiers shows their dedication to maintaining community peace. We will not allow personal conflicts or misunderstandings to cause chaos and fear among our people,” Gumiran said.
He added that AFP-WestMinCom remains committed to promoting peace and the rule of law in coordination with local governments, security forces, and communities across BARMM and other Mindanao provinces. (with reports from Nonoy Lacson/edited by amm)
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