Villagers flee as MILF factions clash

NORTH COTABATO, Philippines – More than 1,000 villagers were displaced when warring factions of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) clashed in Pikit town here on Thursday.

The hostilities broke out in Barangay Talitay when MILF commander Bhutto and his men raided the villages under the control of his rivals, Mokamad Andoy and Ricky Hussain.

Andoy and Hussain, both identified with the MILF, have dozens of followers armed with assault rifles and shoulder-fire grenade launchers.

Police have yet to determine if the hostilities could be related to the fatal ambush of Pexon Mangansakan, chairman of Barangay Silik.

Mangansakan, a relative of Pikit Vice Mayor Don Mangansakan, has relatives in the MILF. The vice mayor is seeking the mayoral post in the May elections.

Town police chief Senior Inspector Sindatu Karim said municipal officials have been trying to mediate in the dispute and prevent it from escalating.

The local social welfare office confirmed on Friday that 1,530 individuals were compelled to evacuate.