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3 killed as MILF, plantation security men clash in Maguindanao

By Noel Punzalan

June 10, 2019, 7:15 pm

<p>Google map of Datu Abdullah Sangki, Maguindanao.</p>

Google map of Datu Abdullah Sangki, Maguindanao.

COTABATO CITY -- Three persons were killed as a firefight broke out between a group of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) fighters and armed security volunteers of a banana plantation in Datu Abdullah Sangki, Maguindanao on Sunday.

Maj. Alma Ladera, town police chief, identified the parties involved in the fighting as the MILF faction under a certain Commander Tommy of the MILF 105th base command, and the armed security group under Aldrex Kali, community leader of the banana plantation in Barangay Tukanalugong.

In a report Monday, Ladera identified the casualties on the MILF side as Datu Ila Mohammad and Toy Taha, while the fatality on the side of Kali’s group remains unidentified.

A certain Tanto Abdul, a civilian security volunteer, was also injured and brought to the Isulan Provincial Hospital following the 2:30 p.m. gun battle, Ladera said.

“The incident apparently stemmed from the laying-off of some 10 personnel from the banana plantation who have relatives at the MILF,” Ladera said.

She added that the laying off of the workers was due to the violation of the plantation’s rules and regulations.

“Family members of the laid-off workers sought the help of Commander Tommy who, in turn, called on Kali’s group for a talk on the matter,” Ladera said.

However, the planned meeting bogged down after members of the MILF faction brought firearms with them, triggering a firefight. The conflict only halted several hours later after police and town elders intervened.

Ladera said emissaries have already been sent to both parties for the peaceful settlement of the problem. (PNA)

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