350 families flee as MILF, unidentified group clash in Maguindanao Sur

COTABATO CITY — About 350 families fled their homes following a firefight that erupted Thursday afternoon in Sitio Libal, Barangay Kulambog, Sultan sa Barongis in Maguindanao del Sur.

Lt. Col. Ronald Suscano, spokesperson for the 6th Infantry Division, told the Inquirer that the clash involved the 105th Base Command of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front-Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (MILF-BIAF) and an unidentified armed group.

Initial reports indicated that residents of Sitios Libal, Silungan, Dundungen and Kimalong in Barangay Kulambog immediately evacuated for fear of being caught in the crossfire.

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The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) conducted an on-site assessment upon the directive of Sultan sa Barongis Mayor Allandatu Angas Sr., together with personnel from the 34th Infantry Battalion (34th IB).

The assessment aimed to determine the impact of the armed clash, assess the security situation and identify the immediate needs of the displaced residents.

Suscano said some residents had begun leaving their homes last Tuesday amid rising tensions in the area.

The evacuees are temporarily staying at the Gadungan Elementary School in Barangay Gadungan.

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The local government and security forces continued to monitor the situation on the ground as of Thursday.

The MDRRMO also distributed food packs to the affected families.

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Meanwhile, a resident appealed to authorities to immediately resolve the conflict to prevent further disruption to the livelihood and safety of civilians.

“We are appealing to all concerned authorities to resolve this problem as soon as possible. Civilians are really suffering, especially since we are already facing a crisis. People are being forced to evacuate. Instead of focusing on their livelihood, they are now worried about what might happen to them,” alias Haleem said.

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The local government and the 34th IB are holding meetings and negotiations to discuss measures that could help stop the fighting. /mr