Tension Rises in Maguindanao del Norte as Armed Groups Clash Two Dead, Including Local Candidate

According to a report from the 6th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, the gunfight stemmed from a confrontation between supporters of two political rivals in the municipality.

Two individuals were confirmed dead, one of whom was identified by Lt. Col. Felmax Lodriguito Jr., commander of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion, as Emran Mamalinta, also known as "Mengko" – a candidate for municipal councilor. The other fatality remains unidentified.

One armed individual was wounded, while an elderly woman was also caught in the crossfire and injured during the encounter.

Responding military and police forces were also fired upon by an estimated 15 armed men, prompting a firefight that lasted approximately an hour and a half.

Authorities arrested seven armed individuals and conducted a clearing operation afterward. Recovered from the scene were three M16 rifles, two Garand rifles, one M653 rifle with an M203 grenade launcher, three 40mm grenades, several magazines and rounds of ammunition, and two bandoliers.

No government forces were reported injured.

Col. Ronel Manalo, acting commander of the 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade, said that security operations are ongoing to restore peace and order in the area and allow displaced civilians to return safely.

The military and police are currently maintaining heightened security in the community to ensure a peaceful and orderly conduct of the midterm elections scheduled for Monday, May 12, 2025.