Three people were killed while two others were injured after armed groups engaged in armed encounters in several coastal barangays in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte.

The tension forced up to 879 families in Barangays Mompong, Badak, Kusiong, and Linek to flee their homes for fear of their lives.

Authorities said the exchange of gunfire erupted evening on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, affecting more than a thousand civilians.

According to the 6th Infantry Division (6ID), the tension is already subsiding and the armed groups are no longer in the communities, as of this writing.

"Ceasefire na doon, ongoing ang troubleshoot. Sinabihan na namin ang warring groups kung may hindi kayo pagkakaunawaan na daanin sa mapayapang usapan or else manindigan ang ating AFP na talagang lalansagin namin yan. So far, tumutugon naman sila at humupa na ang tensyon doon,” 6ID Spokesperson, Lt. Col. Roden Orbon, said.

Because of the incident, the local government has closed 30 beach resorts temporarily.

Families affected were not allowed to return to their homes yet. They are taking shelter temporarily at three schools and a chapel, and they were given assistance by the provincial government.

The provincial government also condemned the incident.

“I call upon all individuals involved in this incident to cease the hostilities immediately. Conflict and misunderstanding can be resolved through dialogue and peaceful negotiation, not by escalating violence,” Governor Abdulraof Macacua said.

“I urge our AFP and PNP to work diligently to suppress this turmoil and to identify all individuals responsible for instigating this conflict. We must ensure the safety of our citizens and restore a sense of security in our communities,” Macacua added.