2 hurt as clan war erupts in Pikit, more than 300 families flee

PIKIT, North Cotabato, -- Police, military and Moro rebelpeacekeepers have been sent to a remote village here after clan war erupted Tuesday, leaving two persons wounded and hundreds of civilians fleeing, officials said. The Army's 6th Infantry Division and the North Cotabato police office have sent peacekeepers to prevent the group of Barangay Chairman Riduan Makatidtang of Bulol, Pikit, North Cotabato and followers ofDhats Simon, former village chair of Bulol, from getting close to each other. Von Al Haq, speaking for the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) military arm, said participants of the clan war were MILF members and supporters. Emissaries have been sent to separate the group, Al Haq said in a phone interview.Dhats Simon was killed in an ambush in Barangay Gligli two months ago. Makatidtang, as number 1 councilor, assumed as new village chair. Simon followers allegedlydislike him and wanted someone else. Reports said more than 350 families have fled their homes and sought refuge in nearby villages to avoid getting involved in the sporadic exchange of bullets of the warring families. Local disaster officials are attending to the needs of the affected families.