At least 17 people were arrested while several firearms and explosives were seized after government forces foiled the attempt of an alleged lawless armed group to sabotage the peace and order in Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur on Monday, March 17, 2025.

Personnel of the 90th Infantry Battalion and Provincial Mobile Force Company launched a joint law enforcement support operation against an armed group in the area, which resulted in the arrest of 17 people and the confiscation of guns and explosives.

According to the 6th Infantry Division (6ID), an armed encounter also erupted between government troops and the armed group in the area.

Seized from the area were two improvised explosive devices (IEDs); two M16 rifles; and four M14 rifles.

"Ang mabilis at epektibong pagtugon ng ating mga kasundaluhan ay isang patunay ng ating patuloy na determinasyon na sugpuin ang mga banta sa seguridad sa ating nasasakupan. Hindi natin hahayaang magtagumpay ang mga grupong nagtatangkang maghasik ng kaguluhan sa ating mga komunidad," Brig. Gen. Edgar Catu, commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade, said.

6ID commander, Major General Donald Gumiran, commended the operating team for the successful operation.

"Ang tagumpay na ito ay bunga ng masusing koordinasyon at dedikasyon ng ating kasundaluhan at kapulisan sa pagpapanatili ng kapayapaan at kaayusan. Patuloy nating paiigtingin ang ating operasyon upang matiyak na hindi makakapanalasa ang mga grupong naglalayong sirain ang kapayapaan sa ating rehiyon," Gumiran said.

Authorities urged the public to report suspicious activities and personalities to ensure peace and order in the communities.