DAMAGED HOME Owners try to save their valuables from their homes that were set ablaze by gunmen in Barangay Meta, Datu Unsay, Maguindanao del Sur, after two groups of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front engaged in a skirmish that began Wednesday (June 19, 2024). Military forces have been deployed to the area to act as peacekeepers. (Photo courtesy of Bangsamoro Region Peace Security and Reconciliation Office)
DATU UNSAY, Maguindanao del Sur – Clashes between warring members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) that entered its second day here on Thursday left two injured and houses burned in the village of Meta, officials said.
Anwar Alamada, Bangsamoro Region’s Peace Security and Reconciliation Office director, and Col. Ruel Sermese, Maguindanao del Sur police provincial director, confirmed the infighting between members of MILF’s 118th and 105th base command in Sitio Irrigation, Barangay Meta.
“The fighting erupted at 9 a.m. Wednesday and today (Thursday), the situation is slowly waning,” Alamada said in a media interview.
Meanwhile, Sermese identified those involved in the “rido” (family feud) as the groups of Commander Panzo of the MILF 118th base command and Commander Tunga of the 105th base command in this town.
The warring families have been involved in land disputes since last year, he said.
Following the skirmishes, about 100 residents moved to safer grounds to avoid getting caught in the crossfire while government forces were sent to serve as peacekeepers.
Some of the armed men also torched two houses.
Alamada said his office, the military, police, and local officials met Wednesday afternoon to iron out safety measures and intervention for settlement. He said the two MILF commanders have agreed to reposition their troops to prevent further hostilities. PNA
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