Saturday, October 11, 2008
Cop, MILF rebel killed in clash (1:15 p.m.)
MANILA -- A policeman and a Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebel were killed in a clash in Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat Saturday dawn.
The fatalities remained unidentified as of Saturday noon.
Major Armand Rico, spokesman for the military’s Eastern Mindanao Command, said the rebels of the 104th Base Command of the MILF attacked a police office in Barangay Sangay which later resulted in a gunbattle.
Rico said the assault confirms suspicions that members of the MILF command have joined the so-called LMGs or Lawless MILF Groups.
The LMGs – composed of leaders and men from the 102nd, 103rd and 105th base commands - are being pursued by government forces since August 18 for their atrocities in some parts of Mindanao.
Other than members of the 104th Base Command, the military earlier said that they are also looking into reports that members of the 107th Base Command have joined the ranks of the LMGs.
Rico said elements of the Army’s 601st Brigade have already made coordination with the Sultan Kudarat Provincial Government and with the local police units “for a joint security/pursuit operation in the area.” (VR/Sunnex) |
