1 dead as MILF rebs clash with supporters of Maguindanao politician

A Moro rebel was killed over the weekend in a series of clashes between Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) fighters and supporters of Buluan town Mayor Ibrahim Mangudadatu in Maguindanao province, a military official said Monday. Lt. Col. Leopoldo Galon Jr., spokesman of the Armed Forces’ Eastern Mindanao Command, said the encounters occurred in Brgy. Tenok in Mangudadatu town, resulting in some villagers fleeing their homes for fear that they will be caught in the crossfire. At least four supporters of Mangudadatu were injured, including Pandag municipal councilor Malkal Manandang alias Cobra, Galon said. The three others were unidentified. Galon blamed the clashes to either “rido" or clan war, or the MILF’s alleged intervention in the ongoing construction of a road that would connect the towns of Bukuan and Lutayan. Galon said MILF rebels under Tautin Salendab, Salem Puasa alias Falcon, and Kamarrudin first clashed with Mangudadatu’s supporters on Saturday afternoon. No casualties were reported in the first incident, which lasted for about an hour, as the rebels fled towards a remote are in Brgy. Tenok. The second encounter happened Sunday morning, which resulted in the death of one MILF rebel. Four hours later, rebels under Falcon clashed yet again with Mangudadatu’s supporters, prompting residents of Barangays Kalian and Daladagan, both of Mangudadatu town, to flee to the nearby villages of Digal and Poblacion of Buluan town, and to Barangay Poblacion in Datu Paglas. Galon said the 33rd Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army is currently securing the villages of Kalian and Daladagan. Villagers are now advised to return to their homes. - Jerrie M. Abella/KBK, GMA News