MILF storms village in hunt for assailants

COTABATO CITY, Philippines—Dozens of residents fled their homes in Barangay Napnapan in Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat, when Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels under the 105th Base Command stormed the village on Friday.

Senior Insp. Romeo Calamba, Palimbang town police chief, said the rebels were apparently looking for the group of Brian Binago, which was tagged as behind the killing of an eight-year-old boy on Aug. 2. Calimba said the boy, identified as Niknik Andi and a relative of most of the attackers, was hit by a stray bullet when Binago’s men allegedly shot dead a Kadil Kongo in Barangay Kanipaan.

Kongo himself is believed to be a member of the 105th Base Command.

Maguindanao crown prince Datu Mama Mastura, a resident of Napnapan, said his brother and Maguindanao Sultan Salem Abdulaziz Guiwan Mastura Kudarat V had sent emissaries to help prevent the fighting from getting worse.

Mastura said authorities received reports that a number of combatants on both sides were either wounded or killed during Friday’s attack and the fighting could escalate without a truce and settlement. Nash B. Maulana, Inquirer Mindanao