13-year-old boy killed in Cotabato clash

From ABS-CBN (Apr 6): 13-year-old boy killed in Cotabato clash

COTABATO CITY, Philippines -- A 13-year-old boy was killed while his twin sister was wounded in a clash between two suspected groups of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Barangay Lumpog in Midsayap, North Cotabato Thursday morning.

Police said Paisal Sansaluna and his twin sister, Sitti, were on board a pump boat along with armed members of MILF Task Force Itihad and were bound for Barangay Sambaluwan.

But before reaching their destination, another armed group believed to be members of the MILF's 105th base command fired at them.

"Nakisakay lang sila dun sa pumpboat, kasama ang mga...MILF pero nang malapit na sila, bigla na lang silang pinaputukan, tinamaan ang mga pamangkin ko," Nawila Pandalat, aunt of the victims, said.

Another victim, identified as Edris Sapal, was also wounded in the clash.

Sitti is still seeking treatment at a hospital in Cotabato. Her foot was cut after being severely hit by stray bullets.

Police suspect the root of the firefight was "rido" or clan war among families who are members of the MILF.

Further investigations are still ongoing.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/04/06/13/13-year-old-boy-killed-cotabato-clash