10 killed in Lanao Sur clan war

At least 10 people have reportedly been killed in a clan war that broke out anew in Lanao del Sur yesterday.

As of press time, skirmishes in Tubaran town and adjoining villages were continuing between armed supporters of the Kibad and Balt families, on one side, and the Papandayan and Dima—poro clans, on the other.

Of the 10 killed, a Tubaran leader said seven were slain in an ambush yesterday.

A village chieftain, who refused to be named for security reasons, said the attackers descended on Tubaran from Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Lanao del Norte, and started razing the entire village of Masibay.

"This morning, a band of about 200 armed men, all (belonging to the) private army of the Dimaporos and led by Macapanton Masigay burned the houses in Masibay, Tubaran," the village chieftain said.

"The attackers lost a dozen men, seven of them confirmed dead from sniper fire," he added.

Tension is mounting in Tubaran with residents expressing fear that the renewed clan war could lead to a full-blown conflict between government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) forces in the area.

This, after 200 heavily armed MILF guerrillas were reportedly seen massing toward Tubaran, apparently to protect the civilians caught in the fighting.

"We are now appealing to the Armed Forces not to side with any of the warring groups so as not to drag the MILF into the conflict, and instead conduct swift actions to prevent further bloodshed," said the Tubaran leader.

Almost all of the members of the Lanao del Sur provincial leadership are in Manila for a legal showdown over the recent suspension of Gov. Bashir Ma—nala-o.

Manala-o, a former vice governor, took over from Mamintal Adiong who died last year.

Manala-o’s post as vice governor was taken over by Munira Macabangon, who filed corruption charges against Macala-o leading to the latter’s suspension.

"Wala silang lahat dito para ayusin ang gulong ito. Marami na ang namamatay (They are not here in the province to settle the conflict. Many are already being killed). We are appealing to President Arroyo to intervene to resolve the conflict," the local leader said.

"The datus led by councilor Macut Hamdag are appealing to the Armed Forces not to help the attackers as this might further complicate the situation," he added.

The clan war between the Kibads and the Balts, on one side, and the Papandayons and Dima—poros, on the other, began on Jan. 29 last year when 12 members of the Kibad and Balt families were slain by Marines who reportedly mistook them as bandits as claimed by the rival clans.

The following month, the Kibads and the Balts retaliated and killed 12 and wounded seven family members of the Dimaporos and Papandayons.

"(Since then) a dozen more from both clans have died in attacks and counter-attacks. This is already too much. The government must stop this madness here," the Tubaran leader said.