Task force to address Moro conflicts activated

MIDSAYAP, Cotabato — Malacañang activated yesterday an inter-agency task force to address the feud between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and villagers for control of arable land in Cotabato province.

About 300 meters away from the venue of the peace dialogue were makeshift shelters built by some 300 villagers who were forced to evacuate from the border of Barangays Nes and Mudsing after gunmen opened fire on their houses with automatic weapons last Wednesday.

The gunmen wounded Kadiguia Malaguia, a Muslim mother and her nine-year-old daughter, Nuhrin.

Superintendent Chino Mamburam, Midsayap police commander, said the victims were inside their house when the gunmen appeared from different directions and opened fire.

The MILF has denied any involvement of its forces in the attack. – John Unson