Six armed men were killed in a shootout with government forces during a law enforcement operation in the Special Geographic Area (SGA) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) on September 19, 2026, according to the military.
The clash occurred in Barangay Balong, Tugunan, as police and military personnel were serving an arrest warrant against one of the men.
The Army’s 6th Infantry Division said the subject of the warrant and his companions allegedly opened fire as government forces were about to carry out the arrest, prompting security personnel to return fire.
Six armed men were killed in the encounter. Their identities had not been immediately released.
Government forces recovered five high-powered firearms from the area, including four M16 rifles and one Garand rifle, the 6th Infantry Division reported.
Authorities said information from residents about alleged incidents and abuses involving the group helped security forces locate the suspects.
The operation also resulted in the temporary displacement of around 350 residents. They were moved to two evacuation centers, where government agencies and the local government were providing assistance and basic necessities.
Local officials expressed support for the operation. Tugunan Mayor Abdullah Abas said the law enforcement effort could help address alleged criminal activities associated with the group, including motorcycle theft, cattle rustling and illegal drugs.
The operation was led by the Maguindanao del Norte Police Provincial Office and the Tugunan Municipal Police Station, with support from various Armed Forces of the Philippines units.
Authorities have yet to release the identities of the six men or provide further details about the circumstances surrounding the deaths. The reported exchange of fire and allegations involving the group remain matters for official investigation and documentation.
