ZAMBOANGA CITY (Zamboanga Journal / 19 Apr) Gunmen attacked a remote village on Wednesday triggering an exodus of civilians in the southern Philippine province of North Cotabato, police said.
Police said dozens of gunmen attacked the village of Tugal in Midsayap town, but security forces fought back sparking a fierce street battle. There were no immediate reports of casualties. "We are still awaiting official reports," PO2 Jerry Lagoc, of the Midsayap police force, told the Zamboanga Journal.
The attack was believed to be connected to a clan war, said Carlos Bautista, the provincial spokesman. "This could be related to the killing of a village chieftain several days ago. Police and military forces have bee deployed in the area to prevent more skirmishes."
"Governor Emmanuel Pinol ordered local politicians to secure the evacuees and provide them food and water until the situation in the town is back to normal," he said by phone from North Cotabato.
It was unknown what triggered the attack, but village chief of Tugal, Tubog Pulalun, a former Moro Islamic Liberation Front commander, was killed Monday in nearby village of Nas allegedly by his political opponent Samal Masgal, also a former MILF rebel.
Eid Kabulu, a spokesperson for the MILF, said his group would not interfere in the fighting, but is helping authorities pacify the skirmishes. "The MILF will not interfere with the clashes, but is helping authorities pacify the escalation of hostilities and protect the civilians from harm," he said.
The MILF, the country's largest Muslim separatist rebel group, is currently negotiating peace with Manila, and has previously helped authorities fight criminalities and terrorism in the troubled region of Mindanao.
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