MILF factions clash in N. Cotabato; hundreds flee homes

MANILA, Philippines - Hundreds fled their homes as warring factions of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Sitio Ladao, Barangay Pedtad  in Kabacan, North Cotabato clashed on Tuesday, the military reported yesterday. 

Maj. Dante Gania, 6th Infantry Division (ID) public affairs office chief, said Nayang Timan and a certain Gafur of the 108th Base Command, and the MILF’s National Guard Command under a certain Mantawil are leading the warring groups.

Fighting erupted when the group of Timan and Gafur attacked the enclave of Mantawil Monday afternoon.

Four-year-old Aniza Hassan was hit by stray bullets during the gunfight as she and her family were leaving their house. She was brought to the Kabacan Hospital, and later transferred to a hospital in Davao City.

“Around 37 families have evacuated and are now staying at Pedtad Elementary School,” Gania said.

He said members of the 7th ID were deployed in the area to prevent the escalation of hostilities.