By Edwin Fernandez
COTABATO CITY — Military authorities are closely monitoring a clash between two Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) groups in Tugunan town, Special Geographic Area-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (SGA-BARMM), sparked by a “rido” or clan war on Monday morning.
Lt. Col. Roden Orbon, spokesperson of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said the firefight involves Commander Kandotoy Abdullah of the MILF national guard and Commander Apang Abdulkarim of the MILF 118th base command.
“No casualties have been reported as of now,” Orbon said in a statement Monday.
The sporadic clashes, which began at 6 a.m. Sunday along the borders of Barangay Balong and Barangay Macabual in Tugunan town, have caused fear among residents, many of whom are Muslims observing the fasting month of Ramadan.
The conflict reportedly stems from the killing of Commander Pli Zacaria Abdulkarim, Apang’s brother, on Saturday night. Abdulkarim’s group has accused Abdullah’s faction of being behind the shooting.
The Tugunan local government has provided relief assistance to around 30 families displaced by the hostilities.
Meanwhile, government and MILF peace panel members are on the ground working to de-escalate tensions and mediate a resolution. (PNA)
