At around 7:30 a.m. on September 2, 2026, Army and police personnel intercepted around 200 MILF members, about half of whom were reportedly armed and in uniform, at a checkpoint in Barangay Libertad, Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte. The group was reportedly en route to Camp Kura-Kura in Munai to attend an MILF monthly meeting. They agreed to turn back after being informed that MILF members are prohibited from carrying firearms. The military and police said they will intensify joint checkpoint operations with other government agencies and COMELEC as the 2026 BARMM elections approach, while urging the public to remain calm and refrain from spreading unverified information online.
photos by 2nd Mechanized Infantry “Magbalantay” Brigade, Armor Div, PA
