Google map of Pikit, North Cotabato.
COTABATO CITY – Normalcy has been restored in a conflict-affected village in Pikit, North Cotabato after the military intervened and pacified warring members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
In a statement Monday, the Army’s 6th Infantry Division based in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao, said an Army contingent from the 90th Infantry Battalion (90IB) was sent to separate MILF rebels locked in “rido” (clan war) in Barangay Macabual, Pikit, North Cotabato.
Lt. Col. Rommel T. Mundala, the 90IB commander, initiated the intervention with the help of local leaders and MILF peacekeeping task force to put an end to the armed hostilities involving Bugdad Matalam Akas and Commander Walid Mamasamlang of the MILF 108th Base Command.
Both are members of the MILF’s Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Force in Pikit town.
“In the series of intermittent encounters that began Aug. 10, three from Commander Walid's group were killed, identified as Ronie Dilanalan, Mama Dilanalan, and Makron Baguinda; all of Macabual village,” Mundala said.
A certain alias Alinor, who belongs to the Bugdad group, was wounded, he added.
In addition, Mundala said farmer Lito Quiñones was killed in a crossfire while Ronald Mercado, another fleeing villager, was hit by a stray bullet.
Some 50 families displaced by the armed conflict have also returned home as of Sunday after assurance from the police and military that peacekeeping teams were deployed to prevent another outbreak of hostilities.
Brig. Gen. Jovencio Gonzales, commander of the Army's 602nd Brigade, said he was underscored the role of the military in grateful to both parties “for agreeing to settle their misunderstanding peacefully.” (PNA)
