250 families displaced in N. Cotabato fighting

MANILA, Philippines — At least 250 families were displaced from their homes as an encounter transpired between government troops and armed men believed to be members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in North Cotabato Monday, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said.

The evacuees were temporarily sheltered at Lower Paatan Elementary School in Kabacan town.

Government troops were deployed in Lower Paaatan village as the local government received reports of land dispute in the area. The lawless elements withdrew towards Liguasan Marsh after the encounter.

It left one militiaman wounded identified as CAA Romeo Pizarro and was brought to Kabacan Medical Specialist for treatment, the NDRRMC said.