Manila: Two individuals lost their lives on Monday afternoon as armed hostilities erupted between warring clans in Pahamuddin town, located in the Special Geographic Area of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (SGA-BARMM), police reported on Tuesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Capt. Rafael Bataan, the police chief of the Pahamuddin municipal police station, stated that the conflict in Barangay Patot originated from a long-standing dispute between two related families. The conflict involved a separated couple and revolved around a piece of land given as a dowry during their marriage.

Capt. Bataan explained in a radio interview that the couple had mutually agreed to separate due to marital differences. However, the husband, identified only as 'King,' sought to reclaim a two-hectare parcel of land that had been given to his wife's family as a dowry. The refusal of the girl's family to return the land led to an ambush and subsequent skirmishes. Both families reportedly have relatives in the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

In response to the violence, police officers, military personnel, barangay officials, and representatives from the government and the MILF Joint Peace and Security Team (JPST) were dispatched to restore order and prevent further escalation. Authorities have advised both parties to remain within their respective areas and avoid actions that could incite additional violence.

Efforts for an amicable settlement are currently underway, facilitated by police and military authorities.