4 killed, 4 injured as MILF factions clash in Maguindanao

Google map of Datu Abdullah Sangki, Maguindanao

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao — Four members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) were killed while four others, including two civilians, were wounded as two MILF factions traded bullets in Datu Abdullah Sangki, Maguindanao on Sunday, the military reported.

The warring MILF groups are locked in a long-standing family feud over ownership of vast parcels of land in Barangay Kaya-Kaya of the town.

Over a hundred civilians have fled to safer grounds after the groups of Datu Item and Commander Bravo Lindungan, both of the MILF 106th Base Command, began trading shots and 40-mm mortar fires around 9 a.m. Sunday.

Reports reaching the office of Chief Supt.

Graciano Mijares, police director for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), showed that the two warring MILF leaders are squabbling over ownership of lands, some of which are planted to banana for export.

The MILF fatalities were identified as Kage Lasam, Saudi Endal, and a certain Paking and Sury, while those wounded were named as Agus Endal and a certain Bryan, all under Datu Item’s group.

Maj. Arvin Encinas, spokesperson of Army’s 6th Infantry Division (ID), said some civilians were also injured in the crossfire.

They were identified as Denden Guiapal, 17, of Barangay Kaya-Kaya, and Jana Sangki, 25, of adjacent Barangay Kakal.

“The civilian victims went out too late. They were caught in the crossfire and hit by stray bullets,” he said.

Maj. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, 6th ID chief, directed the Army’s 601st and 1st Mechanized Brigade to help local officials and the MILF leadership in settling the conflict peacefully.

The displaced families are now being attended to by the local government of Datu Abdullah Sangki.