1 killed, 2 wounded in MILF-CAFGU clash in Cotabato

CARMEN, North Cotabato - The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Tuesday confirmed that fighting had erupted between the members of the MILF and the Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) in Cotabato province. MILF spokesman Ed Kabalu said that a contingent of MILF rebels who were on a meeting in Barangay Lilongan, Carmen, Cotabato were attacked by a group of CAFGU militias who were backed-up by the 48th Infantry Battalion. One MILF rebel was killed while two were wounded in the encounter. Authorities immediately sent an investigating team to probe the incident. Kabalu said that several persons who were responsible for instigating the attack were named in the initial report filed by the MILF on the incident. Kabalu said the attack was just an isolated case and will not affect the peace negotiations between the government and the MILF. Meanwhile, about 100 families left their homes when the encounter between the MILF and the CAFGU took place in Barangay Lilongan. Barangay chairperson Eddie Sabirola said the residents were temporarily evacuated to a nearby village. He said the residents of Lilongan village were threatened by the fighting and decided to leave their houses and belongings.-GMANews.TV