Full Breakdown
Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Convoy Intercepted and Leadership Shake-up Ahead of 2026 BARMM Elections
9/4/2026, 3:49:59 AM
Core Event: Checkpoint Interception in Lanao del Norte
On September 2, 2026, army and police stopped a MIL F movement at a checkpoint in Barangay Libertad, Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte. The convoy, identified as the MILF 131st Brigade, consisted of 23 vehicles, five motorcycles and about 200 members, roughly half armed and in uniform. Leaders could not produce movement documents or proof of prior coordination. After dialogue, the convoy was ordered to return to Picong, Lanao del Sur, and armed members were reminded that firearms are prohibited during such movements.
Background & Context: Election security and peace mechanisms
The interception came as the Philippines prepares for the 2026 Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) parliamentary elections. Security forces have announced intensified joint checkpoint operations with COMELEC to prevent misunderstandings and maintain public safety. The Lanao del Norte Police Provincial Office emphasized respect for existing peace mechanisms while urging proper coordination before large-scale movements.
Key Figures & Groups
- PCOL Leo De Leon Sua – Provincial Director, Lanao del Norte Police Provincial Office.
- Abdulraof “Sammy Gambar” Macacua – Interim chief minister of BARMM.
- Sheik Abdulmanan Kitugi – MILF Central Committee member who announced Macacua’s removal.
- Mohagher Iqbal – MILF vice chairman, urging a peaceful election campaign.
- Lungga Dimaampao – Reported leader of the intercepted MILF members.
Data & Statistics
- 23 vehicles and 5 motorcycles in the convoy.
- ?200 MILF members intercepted.
- ~50 % were armed and wearing uniforms.
- More than 20 BIAF base commanders, deputy commanders, and middle-level officers removed alongside Macacua.
Official Statements & Responses
The LDN PPO will continue working with the Armed Forces, local government units and other peace-and-security stakeholders.
MILF vice chairman Mohagher Iqbal, speaking at a United Bangsamoro Justice Party event, assured that the MILF would not initiate violence before, during, or after the elections, emphasizing a commitment to a peaceful campaign.
Sheik Abdulmanan Kitugi announced the removal of Macacua and other officers during the MILF general assembly.
Verbatim Quote
- “Let us do everything we can to win the election, but we must do so peacefully. Let us not become criminals. We must not resort to violence, and we will not allow violence to take place,” — Mohagher Iqbal, MILF vice chairman.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Police accounts describe the intercepted group as a convoy of 23 vehicles and five motorcycles, while military reports focus on ?200 individual members, half armed. Both descriptions refer to the same movement but emphasize different aspects, leaving the exact composition unclear.
- It remains uncertain whether the removal of Macacua and other officers from BIAF positions also constitutes expulsion from the MILF organization, as organizers did not clarify the membership status.
What’s Next
Security forces have pledged to intensify random and simultaneous checkpoint operations in coordination with COMELEC as the 2026 BARMM elections draw nearer. Authorities also urged the public to remain calm and avoid sharing unverified information online.
