The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) confirmed on Sunday that ongoing pursuit operations are targeting two armed groups involved in a violent clash in Pandag, Maguindanao del Sur, which resulted in two deaths.
AFP spokesperson Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla told Super Radyo dzBB that while full details remain limited, operations are active and continuous. The clash reportedly involved a group aligned with the Barangay Lower Dilag chairman and another led by a man identified as Morsid Mamalinta.
One of the deceased has been identified as a municipal councilor candidate. The second fatality remains unidentified. One individual was also injured, and seven suspects were apprehended.
With the May 12 elections approaching, the AFP is preparing to boost personnel deployments in areas assessed to be high-risk. “Deployment varies depending on threat levels in each area. Higher risk means greater troop presence,” Padilla explained.
She added that the AFP is simultaneously managing both combat and electoral security roles, citing active threats from local terrorist groups and other lawless elements. “We’re operating in dual mode—combat and election readiness,” she said.