World · Philippines Bureau
Hundreds displaced after armed clash in Maguindanao del Sur
A firefight between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and an unidentified armed group has forced approximately 350 families to abandon their homes in Sultan sa Barongis. The military is investigating the incident that occurred in a remote sitio Thursday afternoon.
LSN Philippines ·
COTABATO CITY — Hundreds of residents have fled their communities following an armed confrontation in Maguindanao del Sur on Thursday afternoon. The clash, which took place in Sitio Libal within Barangay Kulambog of Sultan sa Barongis, displaced some 350 families who were forced to vacate their homes as gunfire erupted in the area.
The 105th Base Command of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) engaged in the firefight with an unidentified armed group, according to military accounts. Lt. Col. Ronald Suscano, spokesperson for the 6th Infantry Division, confirmed the incident to reporters without providing further details on the circumstances that triggered the confrontation.
The displacement marks the latest in a series of localized conflicts that have periodically disrupted communities in Mindanao. Authorities have not yet released information regarding casualties or the identity of the opposing armed group involved in the Thursday afternoon clash.
Military and local government officials are conducting further investigations into the incident. No immediate statement has been issued regarding humanitarian assistance for the displaced families or security measures being implemented in the affected barangay.