2 MILF factions clash in Maguindanao

MAGUINDANAO, Philippines – Local officials on Friday called on the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) leadership to stop the fighting between its two factions squabbling for control of farmlands in Datu Abdullah Sangki town.

The MILF groups, one led by Zacaria Guma and the other by Datu Item, reportedly traded shots Wednesday at the border of Barangays Tuka and Madanding, forcing residents to evacuate.

 The hostilities escalated when two other guerrilla leaders, a certain Tony and Rex, of the MILF’s 105th and 106th case commands, joined the firefight.

Tony is identified with Guma’s group while Rex is a supporter of Datu Item, who is said to be a relative of former Maguindanao governor Andal Ampatuan Jr.

“The municipal government of Datu Abdullah Sangki is trying to pacify the groups,” said municipal Councilor Anwar Emblawa.

Emblawa said they are appealing to the MILF to order its warring groups to leave the town. He said a woman was wounded in the crossfire.