6 die as clan war erupts in North Cotabato town

CARMEN, North Cotabato - Six persons have been killed and several others were injured when Moro families clashed over the weekend in what authorities believed was a clan war triggered by land dispute, the Army said today.Army Captain Alvin Macatangay, spokesperson of the Army's 602nd Infantry Brigade said efforts are underway to settle the dispute between the group of Jimmy Matalam led by his son Arlin Matalam against Cua family in Barangay Gen. Luna. Macatangay identified the slain protagonists as Ustadz Odin Bala, Mesi Bala and King Kambambalan, all from the side of Cua and Kalawan and Kusain Akmad group.Killed on the side of Matalam clan were identified s Zukarno Maguid, Lawan Lakman and Makungan Lakman.The Cua family has the support of armed men, led by a certain Commanders Kineg Inalang, Duton Mantawil of Brangay Pedtad, Kabacan. On the other hand, the Group of Matalam was reinforced by armed men barangay Kilangan in Pagalungan, Maguindanao. Macatangay said soldiers and police have been deployed along the Sayre highway to ensure safety of motorists.He also urged Muslim local and religious leaders to to intervene to prevent the escalation of armed conflict.Both groups have followers from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Moro National Liberation Front.The three injured are not confined at North Cotabato provincial hospital. The local government of Carmen is closely monitoring the movement of civilians who fled communities. At least 17 families have fled to safer grounds. They put up tents along the Sayre highway. Relief goods are being prepared for them by the local government.