1 dead, 2 hurt as clan war erupts in North Cotabato town

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 26): 1 dead, 2 hurt as clan war erupts in North Cotabato town

A long-standing "rido" (family feud) involving Moro families flared up Sunday, leaving one protagonist killed and two others injured, authorities said.

Soldiers and policemen were immediately deployed along the national highway linking North Cotabato and Bukidnon to ensure the safety of commuters, said Capt. Nap Alcarioto, spokesperson for the Army's 602nd Infantry Brigade.

According to the Carmen PNP, the clan war erupted between the Matalam and Cua families, both claiming ownership of a vast track of lands in Barangay Gen. Luna, Carmen, North Cotabato.

Both families have armed followers in the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Moro National Liberation Front.

The injured members of the Matalam clan were rushed to the North Cotabato provincial hospital. The identity of the slain victim remained unknown, and police could not say what group he belongs.

Joint police and Army personnel are securing the vicinity of Barangay Gen. Luna to prevent armed men affiliated with the warring families from sending reinforcements.

Personnel from the provincial risk reduction and management council are now in Carmen to assess the situation of some families who fled their homes since Friday as sporadic exchange of gunfires have been reported in the village.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=975077