ILIGAN City — Three Army soldiers were wounded in a nearly eight-hour gunfight between government troops and members of the Labao family in Picong, Lanao del Sur, on November 7.
The firefight broke out at around 1 p.m. in Sitio Badak, Barangay Biasong, while government forces were conducting clearing operations following an earlier armed encounter, according to a report from the Picong Municipal Police Station.
The 64th Infantry Battalion, police personnel and other members of the joint operating team were reportedly fired upon by an armed group identified by authorities as members of the Labao family.
The group reportedly has members from Barangay Biasong in Picong and Barangay Rarab in Nunungan, Lanao del Norte.
Government troops returned fire, triggering an exchange that continued until around 8 p.m., the 101st Infantry Brigade said.
The wounded soldiers were identified as Pvt. Jude Deligero, who was hit in the right upper arm; Pvt. Cupid Val Masibog Mosque, who sustained a gunshot wound to the right calf; and Pvt. Reymond Padawan, who was wounded in the right shoulder.
The three were evacuated to Dr. Seraphio Montaner Memorial Hospital for medical treatment.
Additional government forces were sent to reinforce the troops as the situation developed.
The Picong police reported no casualties among the armed group during its initial assessment.
Although the gunfire had stopped, government forces remained in the area to conduct clearing and security operations. The national highway was also reported impassable while these operations were underway.
The 101st Infantry Brigade described the incident as a rido-related armed encounter and condemned the attack on government troops. It said those responsible would be held accountable through appropriate legal measures.
The brigade also called on the parties involved to exercise restraint and settle their differences through peaceful dialogue.
Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation and investigate the incident.
