Moro commander killed in clash with rival group

COTABATO CITY, Philippines – A leader of an armed Moro group was killed and a villager was wounded in a spate of clashes in three coastal barangays in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte on Tuesday.

Barangay leaders and officials of the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR) said Commander Saidali, real name Saidali Mantawil, died from gunshots he suffered in an encounter with a rival group in a secluded area in Sitio Lidepan, Barangay Kusiong.

Local officials and police investigators said Mantawil’s companions left his body behind when they saw him fall to the ground after he was strafed by assault rifles wielded by members of the rival group.

Both groups, armed with M14 and M16 assault rifles and 40-millimeter grenade launchers, clashed early Tuesday in Barangays Mompong and Linek, sending hundreds of Moro and Teduray villagers running for their lives.

A resident of Sitio Lasdan in Barangay Linek, initially identified by villagers only as Suharto, was wounded in the crossfire.

PRO-BAR director Brig. Gen. Prexy Tanggawohn yesterday ordered the police forces of Maguindanao del Norte and Datu Odin Sinsuat to cooperate in identifying the leaders of the feuding groups for them to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.