CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao del Norte—Representatives of the two parties involved in the recent armed clashes in Barangay Kalanganan, Cotabato City—Hon. Datu Bimbo Ayunan-Pasawiran, Barangay Chairman of Kalanganan, and Ustadz Abusaima Hussain (Abu Shaima), Base Commander of the 128th Base Command, BIAF-MILF, have expressed support for a cessation of hostilities and for a joint investigation and verification to prevent further violence and to address the situation through dialogue and established peace mechanisms.
The 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division held a consultative meeting at its headquarters on October 3, 2026. It was led by Brig. Gen. Ricky P. Bunayog, Acting Commander of 6ID/JTFC, and attended by representatives of the concerned parties, the GPH-MILF Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH), the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG), and other security and peace stakeholders.
The meeting gave both parties an opportunity to present their concerns, grievances, and perspectives on the situation in Kalanganan. At the conclusion of the meeting, both parties shook hands, signifying their commitment to honor the understandings reached and to work toward ending hostilities in the area.
As part of the agreed measures, an ocular inspection, verification, and investigation will be conducted to determine the circumstances surrounding the recent incidents.
The Philippine National Police (PNP), through P/Col. Jibin M. Bongcayao, City Director of the Cotabato City Police Office, will initially lead the investigation in coordination with 6ID/JTF Central and the peace mechanisms. The CCCH and AHJAG will continue to facilitate coordination, verification, and dialogue among the concerned parties.
Meanwhile, 6ID troops will continue regular patrols and security operations in the area to protect residents and help prevent further incidents while the relevant parties and peace mechanisms pursue appropriate interventions.
Brig. Gen. Bunayog emphasized the need for all parties to exercise restraint, respect the rule of law, and uphold existing peace agreements and mechanisms.
“We do not want to see another exchange of fire in Kalanganan that could put our people’s lives and safety at risk. We will employ all lawful measures within our mandate to protect the community and maintain peace and order. The law applies equally to everyone, and we will not hesitate to enforce it against anyone who violates the rule of law or undermines the peace process. Our objective is to prevent further loss of life, protect civilians, establish the facts surrounding the incidents, and create conditions conducive to dialogue and peaceful resolution.”
The consultative meeting was attended by Hon. Malik Caril, Chairman of the MILF Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH); Mr. Nor-Ali S. Alamada, representative of the MILF Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG); Brig. Gen. Larry C. Batalla, Commander of the 1st Marine Brigade; Col. Sergio P. Macarandan Jr., Assistant Division Commander for Reservist and Retirees Affairs (ADCRRA); Col. Rey Rico, G7; and other officers and representatives.
The Command urged all concerned stakeholders to remain calm, exercise restraint, avoid actions that could escalate tensions, and continue using established peace mechanisms and the rule of law to resolve community differences.
