Rekindled clan war claims 4 lives in Maguindanao

TALITAY, Maguindanao – Local elections are over and local government units are supposed to resume operation.
But not in this town of about 14,000 Muslim inhabitants, many of whom have fled to safer grounds after a long standing rido” (family feud was rekindled due to local politics.
The clan war has already claimed the lives of four persons since the eve of election day.
Involved in the family feud are Sabal and Buisan families who both have relatives and supporters in the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).The town center has become a virtual ghost town after residents fled to safer grounds when trading of bullets of armed followers of Buisan and Sabal families were clearly heard Saturday afternoon. Fighting continues since last night until today,” said Senior Inspector Freddie Solar, police chief of Talitay.
The residents knew it is going to be a big hostilities since both have armed followers affiliated with Moro fronts,” Solar said, adding that both sides have been massing its forces around the town center.
Sporadic skirmishes started on May 8 when one of the relatives of Buisan family was killed. An ambush occurred Friday where the fatality was a member of Sabal clan.
On Friday night, fighting has erupted, leaving two persons dead,” Solar said.
The situation is deteriorating, tension is high so we urged the people, especially the children to move to safer grounds,” Solar added.
Residents who were relatives of the warring clans have moved to nearby town of Datu Anggal.
Police said the Buisan and Sabal families have been locked in a long standing family feud.
Solar said involved in last night’s skirmishes were relatives of incumbent Mayor Montasir Sabal while the other group was composed of relatives of defeated mayoralty candidate.
Solar said the Muslim Council of Elders and and representatives from the MILF have been mediating for a ceasefire. (Ferdinand Cabrera)