Wednesday, September 26, 2007 MILF commander killed in clash
GOVERNMENT forces killed a Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) commander in the gun battle that ensued when rebels ambushed a team of policemen in Maguindanao Province on Monday morning.
The victim was identified as Kumander Omar Ali, deputy brigade commander of the 105th Base Command of the MILF.
Based on reports gathered from the Maguindanao Police Provincial Office, the incident occurred at around 11 a.m. on Monday.
At that time, police in Datu Sangki were patrolling the area as part of the follow-up operations to arrest the suspects behind the ambush slay of chief of police Adam Marega.
Marega and two of his companions were ambushed by armed men at around 9 a.m. on Sunday in Barangay Salvo, Datu Piang, Maguindanao.
While the police were patrolling the area, the group of Kumander Ali fired at them in Barangay Crossing Salvo.
An exchange of gunshots ensued, lasting for more than one hour. The fighting became more intense upon the arrival of responding members of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (Cafgu) and Civilian Volunteers Organization (CVO).
The group of Kumander Ali was then forced to retreat. Another five MILF men, three policemen, and one member of the Cafgu were wounded in the encounter.
At least 207 families have fled the barangay and vowed not to return. The families feared getting caught in between the crossfire.
The RP-MILF ceasefire committee has conducted investigations to determine which group is responsible for violating the ceasefire agreement. (Edgardo Fuerzas)
