6 killed in Maguindanao clash between MILF, splinter group

Six people were killed as fighters from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) clashed Tuesday in Datu Piang, Maguindanao in southern Philippines, a military official said Wednesday. Citing reports from the field, Col. Prudencio Asto, spokesman of the Army's 6th Infantry Division, said four of the fatalities were from the MILF while two were from the BIFF. A report on GMA News Tv's "State of the Nation" said the BIFF is led by Ameril Umbra Kato, a former MILF commander. Asto said the clash was a result of a "rido" or clan war between a certain Kumander Adzmie of the MILF and Kumander Abunawas of the BIFF. The clash forced more or less 210 families to vacate their homes and temporarily seek shelter at Gumbay Elementary School in Barangay Buayan, Datu Piang. In Manila, presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda expressed hope that the MILF will be able to resolve the conflict, noting that it has already affected dozens of civilians. "[Government chief negotiator] Dean Marvic Leonen has already expressed [concern] to the MILF peace panel on this situation, and hopefully they would be able to resolve it internally," he said at a press briefing in Malacañang. Hopes that the government will finally be able to forge a peace agreement with the MILF rose last week after President Benigno Aquino III met with MILF chairman Al Haj Murad in Tokyo. - with Amita O. Legaspi/KBK, GMA News