SULU, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / May 05, 2008) – Fierce fighting between two Muslim clans broke out Monday and triggering an exodus of civilians in the southern Philippine province of Sulu, police and government officials said.
The fighting erupted in the town of Luuk and at least one person was reported killed and six more injured from both sides of the warring groups. Police said the fighting erupted between armed followers of Allayon Arbison, the town's vice mayor, and the group of Salip Amiril.
"We are closely coordinating with the military to prevent hostilities from spreading further," Senior Superintendent Julasirim Kasim, the provincial police chief, told reporters.
He said the town's mayor, Ahmad Omar, an ally of Arbison, is trying to broker a cease-fire. Arbison is the brother of Sulu Rep. Munir Arbison, while Amiril is a trader, whose family is engaged in buy and sell of local and imported goods.
Khalil Tan, a member of the Sulu Provincial Board, said one person was killed on the side of Amiril and two others wounded. And that four of Arbison's followers were also injured in the clash.
"We are waiting for reports about the fighting and the status of those civilians who fled the fighting," he said.
Police said the fighting was triggered by an old family feud. "There is gun fight going on and we are trying to pacify the warring groups," Kasim said.
It was unknown how illegal weapons fell into the hands of civilians. Sulu Gov. Sakur Tan previously ordered police and military authorities to dismantle private armies and seize all illegal weapons and declared a total gun ban in the province.
Police said it was not the first time the groups of Arbison and Amiril clashed in Luuk town. (Mindanao Examiner)
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