The two firearms confiscated by government troops from local terror groups following a clash in Shariff Saydona Mustapah, Maguindanao del Sur on Thursday (July 24, 2026). The military said a manhunt against the terrorists in the area is ongoing. (Photo courtesy of 6ID)
COTABATO CITY(July 27) — Two high-powered firearms were left behind as government troops pursued members of three armed groups following a clash in Maguindanao del Sur, the military said.
The 38th Infantry Battalion (38IB) recovered an M16 rifle and a caliber .30 M1 Garand rifle after an encounter with members of the Dawlah Islamiya-Hassan Group, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), and Panenekelan Group in Barangay Inaladan, Shariff Saydona Mustapha on Thursday, July 23.
Brig. Gen. Edgar Catu, commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade, said the troops launched a pursuit operation after the armed groups fled the area following the firefight.
The two firearms were recovered during the operation, marking another setback for armed groups operating in the area, according to the military.
The clash underscores the continuing security challenges faced by communities in parts of Maguindanao del Sur, where government forces continue to conduct operations against armed groups.
The military said its troops remain focused on tracking down the fleeing gunmen and maintaining security in the affected communities.
