2 Moro rebel units clash over land row

KORONADAL CITY—Sporadic fighting between followers of two Moro rebel commanders erupted in Palimbang town in Sultan Kudarat province on Friday, forcing thousands of residents to flee their homes.

Six people from both groups have so far been killed and dozens were wounded in the conflict related to a “rido” (feud) over land property, according to Brigadier General Restituto Aguilar, a senior military adviser of the government panel in the peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

It involved leaders of the MILF’s 104th and 105th commands, Aguilar said.

“I urge the MILF leadership to intervene and settle their warring base commands. Otherwise, more and more civilians will suffer,” he said.

“These incidents lessen public confidence on the ability of a political settlement between the government and MILF to bring about comprehensive peace,” Aguilar said.

He said 9,576 people had been forced to leave their homes in three days of fighting. They came from the villages of Kipongot, Namat, Kisek, Kidayan, Batang-bagras and Maganao.

Mohagher Iqbal, the MILF’s chief peace negotiator, told the Inquirer by phone that his group was working out plans to defuse the tension between its commanders in Palimbang.

“It’s land conflict. We are working to resolve the problem,” Iqbal said.