Two MILF forces clash in Maguindanao del Sur; 11 people dead, 5 others wounded
At least 11 people died while five others were wounded in a fierce gun battle between two forces of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Pagalungan town of Maguindanao del Sur on Wednesday, Oct. 30.
The fierce gunfight, which erupted at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday in Sitio BPI of Barangay Kilangan, forced at least 30 families to flee their homes for fear of being caught in a crossfire, according to Lt. Col. Roden Orbon, spokesperson of the 6th Infantry Division.
Citing initial report, Orbon said the firefight was between the 105th Base Command led by Alonto Sultan and combined forces from the 128th and 129th Base Commands under Ikot Akmad.
“Around 30 families evacuated in the incident area and proceeded to their respective relatives in nearby barangays for temporary shelter,” said Orbon.
At least two fighters from the group of Akmad died while nine members of the 105th Base Command were killed and five others were wounded.
Orbon said police and military forces are checking on hospitals and other areas to determine if there were other casualties.
Orbon said soldiers were immediately sent to the area to mediate between the two warring forces with the help of the MILF-Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG).
“There was also a dialogue with the members of MILF-AHJAG where the incident was discussed, including possible interventions to be carried-out by the MILF-AHJAG to prevent retaliation and address pressing concerns as a result of the incident in the area,” said Orbon.
On the other hand, the 602nd Infantry Brigade crafted a complaint letter to protest the violation of the peace process by the members of 128 Base Command,129 Base Command and 105 Base Command.