PANDAG, Maguindanao del Norte (May 11) – An armed encounter broke out at dawn on May 10, 2025, in Barangay Pandag, Pandag, Maguindanao del Norte, involving supporters of two rival political candidates.
According to the 6th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, the clash was between two armed groups allegedly affiliated with opposing candidates in Pandag.
Two individuals were reported dead, one of whom was identified by LtCol Felmax Lodriguito Jr., Commander of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion, as Emran Mamalinta, alias “Mengko,” a candidate for municipal councilor. The second fatality was an unidentified male.
One armed individual was wounded, and a senior citizen woman was also injured during the exchange.
When police and military forces responded to de-escalate the situation, they came under fire from an estimated 15 armed men, prompting a firefight that lasted for about an hour and a half.
Seven armed individuals were apprehended. During a follow-up clearing operation, authorities recovered 3 M16 rifles, 2 Garand rifles, 1 M653 rifle with an M203 grenade launcher, 3 40mm grenades, multiple magazines and ammunition, and 2 bandoliers.
No injuries were reported on the side of government forces.
Col. Ronel Manalo, Acting Commander of the 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade, said security operations are ongoing to restore peace and allow displaced civilians to return to their homes.
Military and police personnel are now tightening security in the area to ensure a peaceful and orderly conduct of the midterm elections on Monday, May 12, 2025.
