Alleged MILF fighter dies in clash vs farmers

From ABS-CBN (Jul 2): Alleged MILF fighter dies in clash vs farmers

COTABATO CITY - A firefight between a group of farmers and alleged members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) transpired in Matalam, North Cotabato on Tuesday, the Army's 602nd Brigade said.

Authorities said the farmers were preparing their rice field in Sitio Maligaya, Barangay Malamuti when several armed men shot at them at around 6 a.m.

The armed group was allegedly led by Commander Onson Baliwan of the 5th Brigade of the MILF's 108th Base Command.

One member, identified as Muslimin Baliwan, was killed in the clash.

Hours after the firefight, a dialogue among military troops, North Cotabato board member Kelly Antao, and a representative of Baliwan was held in Barangay Cuyapon, Kabacan, North Cotabato.

The military and police said land conflict was the motive behind the attack.

Last month, a firefight also took place between the MILF and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in Matalam because of land dispute.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/07/02/14/alleged-milf-fighter-dies-clash-vs-farmers