4 dead as MILF clashes with MNLF in North Cotabato
Local News • 01:49 AM Mon Feb 26, 2018
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By:
Edwin Fernandez and Rhod Benez
The clash site is about 8 kilometers from this landmark in Matalam, North Cotabato. (contributed photo)
MATALAM, North
Cotabato – Four were killed in a clash involving members of two Moro
fronts in a remote village here over the weekend, police said today.
Chief Inspector
Sunny Leoncito, police chief of Matalam police station, said both the Moro
Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) have
suffered two fatalities each in sporadic skirmishes I Barangay Marbel, Matalam,
North Cotabato.
Leoncito said
the fighting erupted Satuday night and continued until Sunday morning. The two day fighting also sent several
families fleeing to safer grounds. They are now housed at the Barangay Marbel covered
court, Leoncito said.
The conflict
was triggered by a ‘rido’ (clan war) involving leaders of two Moro fronts,
Leoncito said, adding that involved in the clashes were groups of Commander
Manial of MNLF and Commander Manzor of MILF.
Manial’s
brother was killed allegedly by followers of Commander Manzur.
On Saturday,
armed followers of two Moro fronts figured in a running gun battle when they
met in adjacent barangay Kidama, also in Matalam.
As of Sunday
noon, both sides are still exchanging bullets every now and then.
Leoncito said
leaders of warring armed groups have been meeting to pacify Commander Manial
and Manzur. (Edwin O. Fernandez)