Land dispute involving Moro clans in North Cotabato leaves 6 people dead

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 27): Land dispute involving Moro clans in North Cotabato leaves 6 people dead

The clan war involving Moro armed men contesting a vast track of lands in a village here has already claimed the lives of six persons, the military said Monday.

Major Calvin Macatangay, speaking for the Army's 602nd Infantry Brigade, said the "rido" (family feud) between the Matalam and Cua clans in Barangay Gen. Luna, Carmen, North Cotabato was triggered by dispute over vast farmlands.

Both groups are claiming ownership of lands planted to corn and oil palm.

Macatangay said the Army did not intervene with the conflict to allow local leaders, including Moro fronts, to mediate.

Citing intelligence information, the Army said both sides have supporters from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Moro National Liberation Front.

Macatangay identified those involved in the clan war as Arlin Matalam, son of former Rep. Jimmy Matalam and the Cua clan getting help from the Kalawan and Akmad armed group.
Macatangay identified the slain protagonists as Ustadz Odin Bala, Mesi Bala and King Kambambalan, all from the side of Cua and Kalawan and Kusain Akmad group.

Killed on the side of the Matalam clan were Zukarno Maguid, Lawan Lakman and Makungan Lakman.

Soldiers and police have set up checkpoints along the Sayre highway that connects North Cotabato and Bukidnon as well as entry and exit routes toward Barangay Gen. Luna to prevent additional reinforcements for both warring clans.

An undetermined number of families from Gen. Luna have moved to nearby communities to avoid getting caught in the cross fire.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=975207