Saturday, January 12, 2008 5 killed, 7 wounded in Moro clans clash By Malu Cadelina Manar
KIDAPAWAN CITY -- A top official of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) operating in Sultan Kudarat province and four other Moro rebels were killed when two factions of the Moro front clashed anew in Palembang, a coastal town in the same province.
Killed was MILF Commander Makadinda Musa whose satellite base is located in Barangay Bulong in Palembang.
Another fatality was Samsodin Talumpa, son of MILF Commander Kadending Talumpa, who is at odds with Commander Musa due to land grabbing issue.
Three unidentified followers of Musa and Talumpa were also killed during the armed skirmishes. Seven others were seriously wounded.
Reports from the Sultan Kudarat Provincial Police Office (SKPPO) said the firefight started last Monday when the group of Talumpa attacked Bulong, forcing a hundred Moro families to vacate the place.
Both Talumpa and Musa are claiming wide patches of land in Barangay Molon, a rich and fertile village in Palembang town.
Musa was attacked while inside his house and died on the spot when hit on his head.
Musa's followers were able to fire back killing instantly Talumpa's son, Samsodin, and another fellow.
Talumpa and his men tried to recover their dead, but had to escape when Musa's followers were already just few meters away from their post.
Another encounter ensued next day when Talumpa and his men attempted to retrieve the cadavers of their two companions, again encountering Musa's men.
MILF spokesman Eid Kabalu said they would send some of their men to Palembang town to settle the dispute between their warring field commanders.
