Tuesday, September 16, 2008 14 dead in Maguindanao clash anew
THIRTEEN fighters of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and a soldier were killed in an encounter in Maguindanao since Sunday afternoon, the military said.
Based on reports gathered from the Army's 6th Infantry Division, the encounter happened after troops from the 64th Infantry Battalion crossed paths with the group of Kumander Ameril Umbra Kato of the MILF's 105th Base Command in Barangay Bialong, Datu Piang.
The gunfight, the military said, was ongoing as of Monday afternoon.
Kuma der Malboro, believed to be the right-hand man of Kato and the brains behind the group's operations in Central Mindanao, was among those killed in the encounter.
Datu Piang Mayor Sammer Uy said the latest encounter caused more residents in the area to flee homes. The evacuees are now temporarily staying at evacuation centers in the poblacion.
According to 601st Brigade Commander Colonel Marlou Salazar, they have continued their operations against rogue MILF members, led by Kato, believed to be responsible in the series of attacks in North Cotabato and Sarangani Province.
Authorities are hopeful that Kato will be arrested before the Ramadan season ends. (Edgardo Fuerzas)
