Families displaced by MILF, MNLF fighting fear going back home

KIDAPAWAN CITY — Some 423 families of Nangaan village in Kabacan town, displaced by armed fighting since last January, refused to return home despite the presence of three Army companies in the area, according to the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO). Kabacan social welfare officer Susan Macalipat said most of the displaced families are staying with relatives in nearby Montawal and Pagalungan towns in Maguindanao and Poblacion in Kabacan. Of 673 households in Nangaan, only 250 families have returned since Feb. 14, or eight days after a ceasefire between the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) was declared, MSWDO data showed. Some 120 families have no place to stay in Nangaan after armed Moro rebels supposedly torched their houses at the height of the armed conflict, MSWDO data also showed. Many of the evacuees are still troubled by the thought of going home for fear that fighting might again erupt, Macalipat said Monday at the 2nd Municipal Peace and Order Council (MPOC) meeting called by Kabacan Mayor George Tan to discuss the conflict in Nangaan and Simone. “The situation in the area is still volatile. Despite our advices, the evacuees have decided to remain where they are right now," she said. Col. Cesar Sidello, 602nd Brigade commander, said that for peace to reign in Nangaan and Simone, the armed Moro rebels should withdraw from the area and allow the Army to establish a presence in those villages. “We have no other interests in Nangaan and Simone but for peace to reign. This is our main concern and our main duty," Sidello said. The Army colonel was among those who attended the 2nd MPOC meeting at the Kabacan municipal hall. Fighting over 'vested interests' Ding Ali of the MNLF said during the meeting that the fighting erupted last Jan. 9, because of the "vested interests" of two warring parties. "We pity the poor villagers in the area," he said. MILF spokesman Eid Kabalu said they are optimistic their men on the field will adhere to the Feb. 6 ceasefire. “We are willing to contribute, in whatever manner that would make and sustain the peace and stability in this part of Kabacan town, that’s why we declared this ceasefire," he said. The fighting in Nangaan and Simone has displaced more than 1,200 families — both Moro and Lumad people. On Feb. 6, a local ceasefire was declared, but three days later the fighting again erupted. “We want these families to go back home. The [local government unit] and other agencies are willing to help the displaced individuals by providing them food and other relief items," Macalipat said. — VS, GMA News