Nearly 100 families displaced as Moro rebels clash in N. Cotabato town

KIDAPAWAN CITY, Philippines— Close to 100 families in Matalam, North Cotabato have fled to safer ground as rival Moro rebels clash Sunday night, police said Monday.

Senior Inspector Elias Danda, Matalam police chief, said the clash started about 6 p.m. Sunday between members of the Moro National Liberation Front and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Dandan said sporadic fighting was still ongoing as of 8 a.m. Monday.

“We are trying to negotiate with both sides to prevent the escalation of armed conflict,” he said.

Dandan said the conflict broke out as a forum on the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement started in the village of Marbel.

Datu Dima Ambel, a commander of the MNLF, said the conflict started when an armed group in the forum fired at MNLF forces nearby.

The displaced families are now in the village Elian.

Ambel said no casualty was reported on the MNLF side.