A fragile silence has descended upon the borderlands of Nabalawag and Midsayap in Cotabato, a stark contrast to the furious gun battles that raged just days before. For two days, the echoes of conflict have faded, leaving behind a landscape scarred by a desperate struggle for control.
The clashes erupted between heavily armed groups, each vying for dominance over strategically important locations. One faction aligned with Nabalawag Mayor Renz Tukuran, the other led by a commander known only as Kuntay. The fighting quickly escalated, forcing over 2,000 villagers from their homes and tragically claiming the lives of two innocent civilians.
As soldiers from the Army’s 602nd Infantry Brigade and 6th Infantry Division moved to secure the area on Friday, both groups abruptly disengaged, scattering into the surrounding terrain. The sudden retreat left behind a chilling testament to the intensity of the fighting – a cache of weaponry abandoned in their haste.
Soldiers recovered a significant arsenal: over 20 assault rifles, grenade launchers, a K3 machine gun, and an 81-millimeter mortar. The discovery painted a grim picture of the firepower involved and the potential for further devastation had intervention not occurred.
A startling revelation emerged during the search: nine of the recovered weapons were found within the residence of Mayor Tukuran. This discovery added a complex layer to the conflict, raising questions about the extent of his group’s involvement and the motivations behind the clashes.
Military officials, including Brigadier General Ricky P. Bunayog and Major General Jose Vladimir R. Cagara, emphasized the close coordination with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s (MILF) Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities. This collaboration was crucial in navigating the delicate political landscape and preventing further escalation.
To reinforce the peace, a joint team comprised of police, soldiers, and MILF members – the Joint Peace and Security Team – has been deployed to the area. Their mission is clear: to prevent a resurgence of violence and safeguard the vulnerable communities caught in the crossfire, hoping to solidify this newfound, fragile calm.
