PNP steps in to defuse tension between warring MNLF, MILF groups

From the Manila Bulletin (Jun 27): PNP steps in to defuse tension between warring MNLF, MILF groups

Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat – Government security forces have undertaken steps to defuse the brewing tension between the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) after a shooting incident involving its members in Barangay Mina here.

Sr. Supt. James Gulmatico, Sultan Kudarat police director, said the police are investigating the incident wherein Israel Valle, 62, MNLF vice-chairman for Sabiwang Revolutionary State Committee, was fired upon by five suspects in Barangay Mina last June 25.

Valle, who sustained a lone bullet wound in the stomach believed to be shot from a Garand rifle, accused a certain Inoy Kadtim, a member of 105th MILF Base Command of leading the attack against him.

Police said the attack against Valle was an offshoot of the killing of Mustre Kadtim, barangay chairman of Mina who was gunned last May 13 in Barangay Poblacion.

The victim’s relatives tagged Valle as the one who masterminded the killing of the barangay official.

Valle has denied any involvement in the killing of Kadtim.

He said that he had prevailed upon his MNLF forces to stand down and just allow him to press charges against Inoy Kadtim.

Gulmatico said additional policemen have been deployed in the area to prevent the escalation of tension between the two warring groups.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/06/27/pnp-steps-in-to-defuse-tension-between-warring-mnlf-milf-groups/