A TOTAL of 12 members of the Lawless Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) group and two militiamen from the Citizen Armed Forces Geographical Unit (Cafgu) were killed in the latest encounter in Central Mindanao.

Based on reports gathered from the Army's 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division, a group of 150 MILF men attacked Barangay Sangay, Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat Province around 7:40 a.m. on January 6.

Arroyo Watch: Sun.Star blog on President Arroyo

Colonel Julieto Ando revealed that the group harassed the residents and attacked the Cafgu and military camp in the area. An exchange of gunfire ensued with both groups using high-caliber weapons.

The Philippine Air Force sent two MG-520 Attack Helicopters and two OB-10 Bronco Bombers as reinforcement.

Kalamansig municipal mayor Rolando Garcia said there have been renewed clashes between the military and the rebel group due to the spate of attacks by the LMG at Cafgu and Army detachments.

The encounters have caused hundreds of families to flee their homes in the affected barangays.

According to MILF Civil Military Relations Chief Eid Kabalu, they only wanted to mediate a land dispute between a Muslim and Christian family in Kalamansig.

Kabalu said they did not attack the military and only fired in self defense.

Sixth ID chief Raymundo Ferrer has ordered more troops to hunt down the rebels who plan to occupy Poblacion, Kalamansig. (Edgardo Fuerzas)