Moro clashes displace thousands

From the Business World (Aug 22, 2023): Moro clashes displace thousands

COTABATO CITY — Recurring gunfights among rival Moro groups in two towns of Maguindanao del Sur have forced some 500 families fleeing to safer areas, the army reported on Tuesday.

Brig. Gen. Oriel L. Pangcog, commander of the Army’s 601st Brigade, said armed clashes between two factions of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) started last weekend, initially forcing at least 40 families in Barangay Sapakan, Mamasapano town to relocate.

Mr. Pangcog said the hostilities erupted in Barangay Sapakan after suspected members of the MILF 106th Base Command (BC) fatally shot a member of the 108th BC.

“We are trying our best to settle the dispute,” he said of efforts by local government and army officials to mediate between MILF commanders while their fighters are in a stalemate in the village.

However, heavy exchanges of gunfire between the two fronts marred Monday’s peace dialogue, forcing about 440 Moro and ethnic Teduray 440 families in Barangays Lamod and Biarong in South Upi to evacuate and leave their livestock and harvestable crops behind.

https://www.bworldonline.com/the-nation/2023/08/22/541055/moro-clashes-displace-thousands/