MILF, MNLF clash in N. Cotabato put to calm

From ABS-CBN (May 19): MILF, MNLF clash in N. Cotabato put to calm

Tensions have been eased at Barangay Marbel in Matalam town, North Cotabato after more or less 100 Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) forces withdrew from the area with the assistance from government forces Thursday.

Firefights ensued between MILF and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) forces last May 5 and May 15.

In an interview with ABS-CBN News, MNLF Commander Datu Dima Ambel related in detail how the clash began.

He said the MILF wanted to conduct an advocacy on the framework agreement in the area where some MILF communities are also residing. However, it was under the condition that no firearms will be brought in.

Ambel said the MILF violated the agreement.

The fighting has already subsided in the area but it left two MILF forces wounded. The victims were identified as Dong Ambalatan, 33, and Bimbo Naga, 25.

Evacuees who fled their homes due to fear of crossfire are also now returning to their respective houses.

Ambel said they support the peace process and they will not block any peace effort the government and the MILF are pursuing.

However, they will continue to fight back if MILF forces attack their position.

A joint peacekeeping force comprising of the PNP, AFP and a local monitoring force is already in the area.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/05/19/13/milf-mnlf-clash-n-cotabato-put-calm