KIDAPAWAN CITY(December 3) — The killing of seven MILF and MNLF members in an early-morning clash along the borders of North Cotabato and Kidapawan City has revived long-standing fears among communities caught between land disputes, armed groups, and unclear jurisdiction — a cycle that repeatedly threatens the rights and safety of civilians in the area.
The men — all reportedly claimants to a contested property — were killed at dawn on November 24 in Barangay Malinan after a firefight that police say lasted 30 minutes but left residents hearing gunfire for hours.
The violence forced families to flee their homes, disrupting livelihoods and deepening anxieties in yet another community familiar with conflict-driven displacement.
BARMM: Protect life, uphold due process, prevent escalation
The Bangsamoro Government has demanded a full and impartial investigation, stressing that the protection of life and due process are non-negotiable principles under the peace process and Moral Governance framework.
BARMM Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua condemned the killings, calling them “unacceptable” and warning that unchecked violence erodes the trust built through years of peace efforts.
“With varying accounts surrounding the incident, we must immediately establish verified facts, determine accountability, and ensure that due process is strictly observed,” Macacua said.
He urged peace mechanisms, law enforcement, and local authorities to coordinate closely and act with integrity to prevent the situation from escalating.
Rights concerns: Conflicting narratives, survivor testimony, no firearms recovered
Police insist the incident was “an armed encounter, not a massacre,” saying the group had entered the disputed land to enforce their claim when unknown gunmen opened fire.
A lone survivor, however, told investigators they were ambushed by masked assailants — a detail that highlights gaps in the initial narrative.
No firearms were recovered from the site during early assessment, raising further questions about what transpired and underscoring the need for a credible, transparent investigation that communities can trust.
Communities bear the brunt: displacement, fear, and fragile peace
Around 30 families sought temporary shelter after the clash, fearing retaliation or the presence of additional armed elements.
For many in this part of North Cotabato — an area with overlapping land claims, clan tensions, and mixed jurisdiction — the incident is a painful reminder of how unresolved disputes continue to threaten human rights and stability.
Security forces and the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG) have since conducted site assessments, but residents say fear remains, particularly with no clarity yet on jurisdiction: whether the case falls under Matalam or Kidapawan City.
Authorities have urged families of the victims to file formal complaints if they can identify suspects, which would enable police to pursue warrants of arrest.
The deceased were buried swiftly in accordance with Islamic rites, even as families and communities continue to seek answers — and assurance that justice, accountability, and long-promised peace will not be overshadowed by another unresolved tragedy.
