Maguindanao clash mars ceasefire with Moro rebels

ZAMBOANGA CITY — Heavy fighting marred anew the ceasefire between military and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) forces as 60 separatist rebels clashed with Army troopers in Datu Piang, Maguindanao the other day, authorities said.

Two soldiers, identified as Pfcs. Jhonie de la Peña of the 20th Military Intelligence Company, and Sammy Padilla of the 37th Infantry Battalion, and militiaman Ayob Sinsuat, were wounded in the encounter in Barangay Balanakan.

Lt. Gen. Gregorio Camiling, chief of the Armed Forces’ Southern Command, said elements of the 37th IB, backed up by the 24th CAFGU Active Auxiliary, were on routine patrol when they chanced upon the MILF guerrillas led by Commanders Taiyo and Rambo.

Camiling said the fighting lasted for more than six hours. There was no immediate report of casualties on the MILF side.

Camiling said the encounter was a clear violation of the ceasefire because the Moro rebels attacked the patrolling soldiers.

The Arroyo government and the MILF forged the ceasefire during the second round of revived peace negotiations in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia last month.

Meanwhile, at least four persons were killed when rival groups of the MILF and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) clashed in Midsayap, North Cotabato last Monday.

Reports reaching the Southern Command said about 100 residents of Barangay Damatulan fled their homes during hostilities between the MILF and MNLF factions led by Commanders Taiyo Mamayog and Mangoda Pakiladatu, and Tayuan, respectively.

Camiling said troops have been deployed to the area as peacekeeping force.