MILF factions clash triggers evacuation

KIDAPAWAN CITY,North Cotabato

ABOUT 100 families have fled to safer places in the wake of clashes between rival factions of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in the municipality of Rajah Buayan in Maguindanao, officials said yesterday.

Mayor Zamsamin Ampatuan of Rajah Buayan said the fighting was between members of the MILF’s 105th base command.

Ampatuan said the fighting, which began Wednesday and was continuing sporadically, was triggered by the killing of an MILF rebel by a fellow rebel belonging to another faction.

“The families of the slain MILF member wanted to avenge his death, thus the skirmishes,” he said. “Our civilians have no recourse but to flee to safer areas.”

He said the local government could not intervene as both sides were heavily armed.

“We attended to the needs of displaced families, however,” Ampatuan said.

Von Al Haq, speaking for the MILF, said an emissary has been sent to Rajah Buayan to pacify the warring saides.

Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN