The Moro-Christian Peoples Alliance (MCPA) calls for an independent investigation into the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ ruthless killing of 10 Moros, whom they accused of being members of the Dawlah Islamiya–Maute Group in Barangay Banga, Pantar, Marantao, Lanao del Sur. Accompanied by the military,police claimed they were serving an arrest warrant against Amerol Mangonraka and Benjie Amor Macabato on April 17, when a “prolonged firefight” broke out. After the alleged firefight, the bodies of the two appeared, along with their wives, and six others the military accused of being “fighters.” The dead included Nahara Khairiya S. Hamim, Jamail Ibrahim, Fahmi Aminodin, Sohaile Borud Bato, and Mohaimen Aragon. One of them was a student at Mindanao State University in Marawi City.

Residents reported that there was no prolonged firefight in the area, at the time the police and soldiers claimed. Those who knew the victims say some of the killed had already surrendered to the government. Evidence shows they were killed while lying down and sleeping.

MCPA secretary general Amirah Lidasan says the discrepancies between police and residents’ reports demand a thorough investigation since this involves violations of civilians’ rights.

“These institutions (AFP and PNP) have a documented record of human rights violations and impunity,” Lidasan states. She adds they have many reported cases of “planted bullets” and “planted guns” to portray killed civilians as armed.

The MCPA reports terror spreading from the incident. Many young men have already left their homes in fear of being labeled part of the “Maute group” or “Dawlah Islamiya.”

Lidasan notes the intensified police and military presence in Lanao del Sur coincides with preparations for Balikatan 2026, part of which took place in nearby Cagayan de Oro City.