Fresh clashes kill 2, force families to flee in BARMM’s special territory

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The clashes break out as the independent peace monitor Climate Conflict Action Asia warns of a 'blatant disregard for legal processes and the rule of law' in the BARMM

COTABATO CITY, Philippines – A fresh wave of violence has forced villagers to flee their homes in the Special Geographic Area of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao as clashes between rival groups escalated since Saturday, March 1. The fighting has already left at least two men dead.

The latest armed conflict erupted just as the independent peace monitor Climate Conflict Action Asia (CCAA) issued a warning about what it described as the “deliberate and blatant disregard for legal processes and the rule of law” in the BARMM. The group said authorities have continued to turn a blind eye to serious violations, deepening concerns over security in the region.

The violence began Saturday night with a gun attack in Tugunan, a town within the BARMM’s special territory that was once part of Cotabato province. Authorities identified the victims as Nords Bukas and Felix Zacaria. A third man, Jaime Zacaria, was wounded in the assault, which took place past 8 pm in the village of Macabual.

Police said the suspected assailant was Kondotoy Bayao, allegedly affiliated with a group led by a certain Commander Badboy of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s national guard command.

By Sunday, the violence had escalated, forcing several dozen residents to flee as another armed group – allegedly led by Apang Abdulkarim of the MILF’s 118th Base Command – engaged in clashes with Bayao’s group. 

The fighting between these MILF factions has continued, with local officials and MILF leaders struggling to mediate and restore order.

CCAA, an independent non-governmental organization focused on conflict in BARMM, raised alarm over what it described as a dangerous pattern of violations, particularly regarding the implementation of the elections gun ban in the BARMM..

The group pointed to an incident on February 6 when 17 MILF members were arrested and detained in Sultan sa Barongis, Maguindanao del Sur. The suspects yielded high-powered firearms in violation of the gun ban. 

The military and local police seized the weapons, but less than 24 hours later, the MILF members were released following the intervention of the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities. Local authorities have not provided any explanation for their release.

“This troubling decision exposes a disturbing lack of impartiality in the enforcement of the COMELEC gun ban and calls into question its purpose and effectiveness,” CCAA said. 

The group said the MILF members were given favored treatment, and the seized guns should be subjected to forensic examination and recording, and the bearers clearly identified.

CCAA said no group should block security forces from enforcing the gun ban and Republic Act 10591, the firearms law. It urged the government to act decisively, holding violators – whether political figures or armed groups – accountable through arrests and disarmament if needed.

“This is not merely about enforcing a law; it is about restoring public trust and safeguarding lives. If impunity persists, the cycle of violence will only deepen, undermining our democratic process and the prospects for lasting peace. There must be unwavering resolve to enforce the gun ban impartially and rigorously, ensuring that no mockery of the law is permitted,” CCAA said. – Rappler.com