South Cotabato IP Councilor traded blows with another IP leader

KORONADAL CITY - Few months ago, Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) to Banga town council in South Cotabato, Councilor Arnel Wanan,was figured in a near brawl against another councilorinside the town's Sangguniang Panglungsod session hall.On Thursday, Wanan, in the same venue actually traded blows, not with the same councilor, but with another tribal leader he earlier accused as illegitimate tribal leader over a radio interview.Datu Samuel Dasan, 59, resident of Barangay Rang-ay, Banga, South Coabatowent to the town's session hall and waited for the session to take a break. He wanted to talk to Councilor Wanan over the latter's statement.Dasan said he could not take Wanan's claim over DXOM-AM Radyo Bida in Koronadal Cityon Wednesday that he was a fake tribal leader and was not recognized by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP). But Dasan told Banga PNP that he approached Wanan during session recess for a talk. However, he was met with blows from Wanan.According to Dasan, Wanan was prevailed upon by his colleagues.However, Wanan has another version of the incident.He told DXOM-AM Radyo Bida that Dasan was fuming mad when he arrived at the SB session hall and confronted him during session break.Wanan said it was Dasan who threw the first blow prompting him to defend himself until Councilors John Rosete and Elmer Aguirre separated them.Wanan was unscathed while Dasan sustained injuries on his head. A medical certificate showed he needs seven day medication. The IPMR said he remained open to dialogue with Dasan to settle whatever differences they have.