2 killed, 4 hurt as rebels clash in Maguindanao

DAVAO CITY, Philippines (UPDATED) – At least two people were killed and 4 others were wounded when members of rebel groups clashed in Maguindanao on Thursday, October 18, a senior rebel leader said.

Von Al Haq, spokesman of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), said small units of the BIAF and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement (BIFM) exchanged gunfire in the town of Mamasapano. BIFM is a breakaway group of the MILF.

The casualties have yet to be unidentified.

Al Haq explained that the incident was not connected to the disagreement between the groups in relation to the peace negotiations with government.

He said it was a result of an unresolved “family feud” on land.

The senior rebel leader also said that the MILF leadership is trying its best to pacify the tension in the area.

“Of course the MILF is making efforts to pacify the conflict. We are also looking for right channels that are non-partisans to facilitate the resolution of the tension,” Al Haq said.

The BIFM, led by former 105th base commander Ustadz Ameril Umra Kato, broke away from the MILF due to disagreements on policies and the handling of peace negotiations with government.

On October 15, the government and the MILF signed the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement, the blueprint to a final peace deal. – Rappler.com

Read the full text of President Noynoy Aquino’s speech: Agreement paves way for enduring peace in Mindanao

Read the full text of the Framework Agreement between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on the establishment of the new autonomous political entity, Bangsamoro, that will replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

For related stories, read:

• BIFM insists on separate Bangsamoro state
• Leonen: Let’s debate the Bangsamoro deal
• Apl.de.ap to help Bangsamoro children
• MILF plans to form party
• Mixed feelings on the roadmap to peace