3 killed as MILF faction, plantation security men clash in Maguindanao

COTABATO CITY - Three persons were killed as a firefight broke out between a group of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) fighters and armed security volunteers of a banana planation in Datu Abdullah Sangki (DAS), Maguindanao on Sunday.

Maj. Alma Ladera, Police chief of DAS town, identified the parties involved in the fighting as the MILF faction under a certain Commander Tommy of the MILF 105th base command, and the armed security group under Aldrex Kali, community leader of the banana plantation at Barangay Tukanalugong.

Ladera, in a report on Monday, identified those killed in the MILF side as Datu Ila Mohammad and Toy Taha, while the fatality at the side of Kali’s group remains unidentified.

A certain Tanto Abdul, a civilian security volunteer, was also injured and brought to the Isulan Provincial Hospital following the 2:30 p.m. gun battle, Ladera said.

“The incident apparently stemmed from the laying-off of some ten personnel from the banana plantation who have relatives at the MILF,” Ladera said.

She added that the laying off of the ten workers was due to the violation of the plantation’s rules and regulations.

“Family members of the laid-off workers sought the help of Commander Tommy who, in turn, called on Kali’s group for a talk on the matter,” Ladera said.

However, the planned meeting bogged down after members of the MILF faction brought firearms with them, triggering a firefight.

The conflict only halted several hours later after police and town elders stepped into the scene. Ladera said emissaries have been sent to both parties for the peaceful settlement of the problem. (PNA)