Philippine rebels try to end deadly land feud

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines’ largest Muslim rebel group said it has ordered one of its commanders to halt attacks against a rival guerrilla to try to end a land feud that has killed at least 14 combatants.

Moro Islamic Liberation Front spokesman Von Al Haq said Sunday that commander Adzme Kasim has been ordered to halt attacks and take a defensive posture to ease a week of sporadic clashes in southern Datu Piang town sparked by a land feud with a rival leader from a breakaway rebel group.

Regional military spokesman Col. Prudencio Asto said the clashes have killed at least 14 combatants and forced more than 3,000 villagers to flee from the fighting, which erupted a week ago.

Asto says government troops have not intervened and are standing by from a distance.