Rebels’ presence stops classes in villages

KORONADAL CITY—Classes in three remote villages of Matalam, North Cotabato, remain suspended as hundreds of Moro rebels who occupied the villages since last month refused to leave.

The local government of Matalam has called on the 300 armed Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) members to vacate the villages.

Col. Dickson Hermoso, spokesperson for the military’s 6th Division, said there were no classes in the villages of Marbel, Ilian and Kilada as residents are afraid of the rebels.

On May 5, rival rebel groups clashed in Matalam when the MILF entered the town to promote the framework peace agreement that it signed with the Aquino administration. The town, however, is a known peace zone run by the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) under a peace agreement with the government in 1996.

Dima Ambil, MNLF local leader, agreed to let the MILF in on condition that its members do not carry guns. The MILF members, however, came in full battle gear, said Ambil.

MNLF members tried to drive the MILF men by force, resulting in clashes that forced at least 3,000 people to flee.

But MILF chief negotiator Mohaqher Iqbal said MILF men in Matalam have already left. Iqbal said the armed men who are in the three villages are members of the MNLF, “not ours.” Jeoffrey Maitem, Inquirer Mindanao