Family feud triggers clashes in NoCot

The suspect who remains at large was Abdulkarim Unsil, 39, member of the MNLF Council of 15 faction and resident of nearby Sitio Kisupit, Barangay Marbel, also in Matalam. (Pixabay photo)

MATALAM, North Cotabato— A member of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) was killed after a member of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) shot him on Sunday in a remote village here, triggering clashes between two Moro fronts.

Police believe family feud and not an organization conflict between the two Moro fronts sparked the shooting incident.

“We supposed the attack was due to a long standing family feud, locally known as ‘rido,’” Supt. Bernard Tayong, North Cotabato police acting spokesperson, said in an interview with PNA.

He identified the victim as Tony Polalon, a member of the MILF’s 108th Base Command and resident of Barangay Iligan, Matalam.

The suspect who remains at large was Abdulkarim Unsil, 39, member of the MNLF Council of 15 faction and resident of nearby Sitio Kisupit, Barangay Marbel, also in Matalam.

Chief Insp. Sunny Leoncito, Matalam town police chief, said that after Unsil shot dead Polalon at past 3 p.m. Sunday, MILF members chased him as he fled toward Sitio Kisupit.

“The shooting of Polalon triggered the MILF-MNLF clashes in Barangay Marbel that left four injured,” Leoncito said.

Wounded were Jocelyn Tan and Anisa Iman, 32, spouses of MNLF members.

On the MILF side, injured were Francis Abas and Rasel Naga.

Tayong said shooting ceased three hours later after leaders of both fronts intervened and declared a ceasefire.