MILF says new clash unrelated to pact

This photo taken on October 15, 2012 shows members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels raising their rifles during a ceremony at Camp Darapanan in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao province on the southern Philippine island of Mindanao. AFP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – The largest Muslim rebel group in the Philippines said a new clash between some of its fighters and a breakaway faction was sparked by a clan feud and was unrelated to a recently signed peace pact opposed by the faction.

Dozens of gunmen from the main Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the breakaway Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement clashed Thursday in a village in Mamasapano town in southern Maguindanao province, killing two combatants and wounding four others.

A spokesman of the main rebel group, Von al Haq, said Sunday it was taking steps to pacify the warring rebels and prevent an escalation.

The main group signed a preliminary peace pact with the government on Oct. 15. The breakaway rebels ignored the accord and vowed to continue fighting.