Fighting among Moro rebels triggers evacuation

KIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato—About 100 families have fled to safer places in the wake of clashes between rival factions of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in the municipality of Rajah Buayan in Maguindanao, officials said Friday.

Mayor Zamsamin Ampatuan of Rajah Buayan said the fighting was between members of the MILF’s 105th base command.

Ampatuan said the fighting, which began Wednesday and was continuing sporadically, was triggered by the killing of an MILF rebel by a fellow rebel belonging to another faction.

“The families of the slain MILF member wanted to avenge his death, thus the skirmishes,” he said, adding that the fighting was on and off.

“Our civilians have no recourse but to flee to safer areas,” Ampatuan added.

He said the local government could not intervene as both sides were heavily armed.

“We attended to the needs of displaced families, however,” Ampatuan said.

Von Al Haq, speaking for the MILF, said an emissary has been sent to Rajah Buayan to pacify the warring saides.

The Army’s 2nd mechanized brigade said it has already sent peacekeeping force to Raja Buayan to protect civilians.