50 families flee as MILF, govt militia clash in North Cotabato

From InterAksyon (Jan 9): 50 families flee as MILF, govt militia clash in North Cotabato



At least 50 families have fled their homes, with more set to evacuate, in Barangay Lumupog, Midsayap, North Cotabato after clashes erupted Thursday morning between members of local government militia and fighters of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Captain Antonio Bulao, spokesman of the Army’s 602nd Infantry Brigade, said barangay chairman Datu Rhenz Tukuran, leads the Civilian Volunteer Organization.

The rebels, from the MILF’s 105th Base Command, are headed by Commander Abas Kudanding and have been joined by fighters under Commanders Haon and Obitin.

Bulao said two MILF fighters were reported killed while CVO members Daniel Bagener and Anuaruden Sambayan were wounded.

Although the CVO is supposed to be an unarmed village watch, this rule is routinely ignored in many parts of the country where they are often used by the military as “force multipliers.”

In some places, they are also used as private armies of political warlords.
Bulao said sporadic fighting continued to take place as of this posting and more residents were leaving their homes to seek shelter at evacuations centers set up in Barangay Sambulawan.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/78379/50-families-flee-as-milf-govt-militia-clash-in-north-cotabato