DAVAO CITY, Philippines — Around 200 villagers have fled to safety following clashes between rival factions within the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), which resulted in houses being set ablaze in Barangay Meta, Datu Unsay, Maguindanao del Sur on Wednesday morning.
Brig. Gen. Prexy Tanggawohn of the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region and Major Gen. Alex Rillera of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division called on the MILF’s central committee on Thursday to intervene and mediate between Commanders Panzo and Tunga.
The conflict involved Panzo’s 118th Base Command and Tunga’s 105th Base Command, causing widespread concern among Moro villagers who sought refuge in neutral areas.
Senior police officials and local executives reported that the dispute, stemming from political differences and territorial control in Barangay Meta, escalated into sustained gunfights.
Many houses were reportedly burned before the groups withdrew upon the arrival of security forces.
Displaced villagers are currently being sheltered in a covered court in the municipality, while others have sought refuge with relatives in nearby barangays.
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