EVACUATED. Some of the more than 300 individuals who fled their homes in Datu Abdullah Sangki town in Maguindanao del Sur after two warring families engaged in a shooting war on Tuesday (Sept. 19, 2023). The warring families belonging to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) have been locked in a long-standing feud over territorial control. (Photo courtesy of United Bangsamoro Justice Party)
DATU ABDULLAH SANGKI, Maguindanao Sur – Police and military forces have been deployed to two interior villages here after a long-standing family feud erupted Tuesday dawn and left one civilian dead, the Army said.
Maj. Saber Balogan, chief of the civil-military unit of the Army’s 601st Infantry Brigade, said the “rido” (clan war) involved two leaders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s (MILF) 106th command in the villages of Kaya-Kaya and Tukanalugong.
“A civilian was hit by stray bullets,” Balogan said, adding that about 300 residents of the two villages have vacated their homes and moved to safer grounds.
“As of Tuesday morning, people (were) still moving to the town center as sporadic gun fires (were) still heard in the affected villages,” he said.
The fighting began Monday afternoon when the warring families under commanders Toks and Max, both under the MILF 106th base command, crossed paths and traded barbs.
“The warring families are locked in a long-standing feud over the land issue,” Balogan said, as he appealed to the leadership of the MILF to send emissaries to pacify them.
He said the Army and the police of Datu Abdullah Sangki town have been deployed to serve as peacekeepers to ensure the safety of civilians.
Maj. Pablo Boloy, chief of the municipal police station, said police personnel have been deployed near the area of conflict to prevent the escalation of hostilities.
Efforts to reach MILF top officials for comments proved futile as of posting. (PNA)
