ILIGAN City— Around 200 members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) were intercepted by Army and police personnel in Lanao del Norte after authorities received information that some of them were traveling with firearms to a group assembly, officials said.
The joint checkpoint operation was conducted by the 5th Mechanized Battalion (5Mech Bn) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) as part of intensified security measures ahead of the 2026 Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections.
The Philippine Army said the group was reportedly headed to Camp Kura-Kura in Barangay Tamparan, Munai, to attend a monthly MILF assembly.
Authorities said about half of the group were reportedly armed and wearing uniforms. The group was allegedly led by Lungga Dimaampao.
Instead of allowing the group to proceed, Army and police personnel engaged its members in dialogue and informed them that carrying firearms during the movement was prohibited.
The MILF members acknowledged the prohibition and agreed to return to Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Lanao del Norte, rather than continue to the assembly, according to the Army.
The incident comes as security forces step up preparations for the upcoming BARMM elections, with the military and police expected to conduct more checkpoints and security operations in coordination with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and other government agencies.
The 2nd Mechanized Brigade said its units will intensify simultaneous and random checkpoint operations with the PNP, other national government agencies and COMELEC as the elections draw closer.
The Army urged the public to remain calm and vigilant and avoid sharing unverified information on social media that could cause unnecessary alarm.
It said it remains committed to working with law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders to help ensure a peaceful, orderly and safe electoral process.
