7 dead, thousands displaced in Basilan clan war

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines —At least seven persons were killed in a clan war in Basilan that displaced more than a thousand families, a barangay official said yesterday.

Fighting erupted between the clans of Abubakar Palaman and Jabbar Sandiki on Aug. 3, according to  Barangay Cabengbeng chairman Nasser Langis Asikin.

At least 1,050 families fled their homes and sought refuge in Barangays Upper Cabling, Sapa Bulak, Languyan, Mebak and Etub-Etub.

Police and military forces have been deployed in the area to prevent more bloodshed. Provincial officials are also meeting with elders of the warring clans to resolve the conflict.