Rival groups in Maguindanao clash anew

COTABATO CITY, Philippines - Hostilities between two heavily armed rival groups in Maguindanao’s Montawal town erupted anew Thursday, sending hundreds of villagers running for their lives.

It was the fifth encounter in three weeks between the two groups, one led by Andy Montawal, and the other, a band of Moro guerrillas under Commander Bigkug.

Forces of both sides, armed with assault rifles and shoulder-fired 40-mm grenade launchers, traded shots in a least four spots in neighboring Barangays Tunggol and Talapas in Montawal, causing panic among innocent villagers.

Bigkug first attacked the group of Montawal three weeks ago in retaliation for the death of a relative in North Cotabato’s Kabacan town, who was reportedly killed by Montawal’s men over a minor dispute.

Montawal, who has standing arrest warrants for rape and other criminal cases, is an older sibling of the incumbent mayor of Montawal municipality, Otto Montawal.

Lt. Col. Benjamin Hao, commanding officer of the Army’s 7th Infantry Battalion, said more soldiers have been deployed in potential flashpoint areas in Montawal to prevent the spill over of the conflict involving Bigkug and Montawal to other areas.

Montawal and several adjoining towns in North Cotabato are under the jurisdiction of the 7th IB, a component unit of the 602nd Brigade.

Hao said their brigade commander, Col. Ademar Tomaro, is keen on resolving the conflict peacefully to prevent dislocation of more innocent villagers.

Hao said he has recommended the intervention of the joint ceasefire committee of the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

The joint ceasefire committee, which is comprised of representatives of the police, the military and the MILF, helps in the resolution of peace and security concerns in areas covered by the 1997 Agreement on General Cessation of Hostilities.