Army brokers ceasefire between warring clans in Cotabato City
COTABATO CITY — Two warring clans in this city have agreed to a ceasefire following renewed hostilities that triggered exchanges of gunfire and forced residents to flee, the Army said.
Brig. Gen. Ricky Bunayog, commander of the 6th Infantry Division (6ID), brought together Barangay Kalanganan Mother chair Bimbo Ayunan Pasawiran and Ustadz Abusaima Hussain, commander of the 128th base command of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF), the armed wing of the Moro Islamic Liberation (MILF), for a dialogue on Saturday at Camp Siongco in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte.
Both sides agreed to support the military-initiated cessation of hostilities involving them and their followers.
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The meeting also resulted in the creation of a probe team led by Cotabato City police director Col. Jibin Bongcayao to determine what triggered the recent exchange of gunfire.
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“Both parties issued a commitment to honor the understandings reached and to work toward ending hostilities in the area,” Bunayog said.
The clashes erupted following the Bangsamoro parliamentary elections on Sept. 14. Army and Marines were deployed in Kalanganan after an initial exchange of gunfire on Sept. 28, while Philippine Air Force helicopters conducted aerial patrols over the city for three nights.
No deaths or injuries were reported in the clashes, which involved firearms and M-79 grenades.
Bunayog said 6ID troops would continue patrols and security operations in Kalanganan, a coastal village with about 18,900 residents.
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“We do not want to see another exchange of fire in Kalanganan that could put our people’s lives and safety at risk. We will employ all lawful measures within our mandate to protect the community and maintain peace and order,” Bunayog said.
He added that troops would take lawful measures to protect residents and maintain peace and order.
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The government and MILF ceasefire panels are also working to resolve the conflict./ja
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