Moro rebels pillaging homes in North Cotabato—military official

NORTH COTABATO, Philippines—Suspected Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) members destroyed and pillaged civilian homes in M’lang, North Cotabato, early Wednesday, a military spokesman said.

About 70 suspected members of the MILF, under commander Gani Saligan ,whom the military suspected to have turned rogue and into “lawless elements,” reportedly pillaged houses owned by Usman Calimpo, Dalot Daong, a certain Daser, and one Kayog in Barangay Dugong around 6 a.m., Col. Leopoldo Galon, AFP Eastern Mindanao Command spokesman, said.

The materials acquired from the destroyed houses would be used in building huts for Gani’s group in the common boundery of Barangay Dugong, Buayan, and Gaunan, Galon said, citing information from the Army 6th Infantry Division.

The armed group also reportedly harvested rice from half a hectare, according to the regional military spokesman.

Members of the Army’s 68th Infantry Battalion have been alerted for a possible clash between the groups of Saligan and one Manwang Zabel in the area.