Thursday, April 20, 2006
Gunmen attack N. Cotabato village; hundreds flee homes
By Al Jacinto
ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Gunmen attacked a remote village in North Cotabato on Wednesday, triggering an exodus of civilians in the southern province, police said.
Police said dozens of gunmen attacked the village of Tugal in Midsayap town but security forces fought back, sparking a fierce street gunfight. There were no immediate reports of casualties.
"We are still awaiting official reports," said policeman Jerry Lagoc, of the Midsayap police force.
The attack was reportedly related to a clan war, said Carlos Bautista, the provincial spokesman.
"This could be related to the killing of a village chieftain several days ago. Police and military forces have been deployed in the area to prevent more skirmishes," he said.
"Governor Emmanuel Piñol ordered local politicians to secure the evacuees and provide them food and water until the situation in the town returns to normal," Bautista added.
Although it was not clear what triggered the attack, authorities believed it was related to the killing of a former Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) commander, a village chief of Tugal, Tubog Pulalun, in the nearby village of Nas allegedly by political opponent Samal Masgal, also a former MILF rebel.
MILF spokesperson Eid Kabulu said his group would not interfere in the fighting, but is helping authorities pacify the skirmishes.
"The MILF will not interfere with the clashes, but is helping authorities pacify the escalation of hostilities and protect the civilians from harm," he said.
The MILF, the country's largest Muslim separatist rebel group, is currently negotiating peace with Manila, and has previously helped authorities fight criminalities and terrorism in the troubled region of Mindanao. (Sunnex)
(April 20, 2006 issue)
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