[2] The public market in Datu Paglas was occupied by members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, particularly from a faction led by Kagi Karialan which is largely based in the Ligawasan Marsh.

[3] It was originally thought that around 100 BIFF members were involved, an estimate provided to the military by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, a former rebel group which leads the Bangsamoro autonomous regional government.

Thirty-one BIFF members also surrendered and left the group due to backchannel talks initiated by local leaders and commanders of the military division.

[6] The military says that BIFF were retreating after it launched operations against the group in the SPMS Box, an area in the Maguindanao, for the past two weeks prior to the occupation.

Gen. Jose Vladimir Cagara, 6th Infantry Division commanders, BIFF spokesperson Abu Supyan, and Mayor Edris A. Sindatok confirmed that "Mohiden Animbang" aka Kagi Karialan, leader of a Karialan of the BIFF, his brother Saga, including outlawed 10 slain terrorists were recovered in a Barnagay Kitango, Datu Saudi Ampatuan swampy area with 12 assorted high-powered firearms.

As part of the clearing operations, the military was able to safely disarm and dispose four improvised bombs in the public market and national highway areas.

[15] No civilian or military casualties were reported[14] although accounts by Datu Paglas residents said that at least five BIFF members sustained wounds serious enough that they had to be carried away by their compatriots when the group abandoned the market.