‘Peace saboteurs’ warned after MILF clashes in Maguindanao
COTABATO CITY—The Army has warned armed factions that it is ready to use its full force against anyone threatening peace and civilian safety, following clashes in Datu Piang, Maguindanao del Sur, on Saturday morning.
Army Brig. Gen. Edgar Catu, commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade, on Sunday issued the stern warning to all rival Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) factions, regardless of affiliation, reiterating that the Army is ready to take decisive action against “peace saboteurs” to protect civilians.
Military and police authorities recovered six high-powered firearms and hundreds of rounds of ammunition during clearing operations after two MILF groups exchanged gunfire in Barangay Masigay.
The skirmishes began when followers of one MILF faction ambushed two minivans belonging to another MILF group.
No one was hurt, but the incident caused panic among residents and heightened tensions in the village.
According to the Army, the factions involved were led by Cmdr. Mando Santukan of MILF Task Force Ittihad (Unification) and Cmdr. Kob Silongan of another MILF group.
Intervention
The situation was eventually defused when the military, police and the MILF Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities intervened.
To ensure the groups were fully disengaged, troopers from the 38th Infantry Battalion (IB), Maguindanao del Sur police and MILF representatives conducted clearing operations later that afternoon.
The operation resulted in the recovery of six high-powered firearms: one M60 machine gun, four M16 rifles and one M14 rifle, along with hundreds of rounds of ammunition.
Army Lt. Col. Erwin Felongco, commander of the 38th IB, presented the recovered weapons to Catu on Sunday morning.
