1,000 families displaced by MILF-BIFF clashes

MANILA, Philippines – About 1,000 families were displaced in Central Mindanao due to the fighting between Moro Islamic Liberation Front guerrillas and members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.

The clashes that started last week were due to a land dispute and had nothing to do with the Mamasapano clashes, which killed 44 elite police officers, 18 members of the MILF and at least three civilians.

Families fled their homes in Barangay (village) in Kabasalan in Pikit, North Cotabato and in Pagalungan, Maguindanao to avoid being caught in the crossfire, the military said.

“They fear that the fighting of the MILF and BIFF might spread,” Armed Forces Public Affairs Office Lieutenant Colonel Harold Cabunoc told reporters on Monday.

The families were brought to two evacuation centers.

The government has started distributing relief goods while security forces have secured the evacuation centers, Cabunoc said.