MILF rebs raid MNLF 'peace zone'

KABACAN, North Cotabato, Philippines – Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels again attacked a “peace zone” of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in Kabacan, North Cotabato yesterday, torching at least 20 houses and ransacking homes of food and other supplies.

Nineteen fighters from both sides and at least five civilians have been killed in the spate of encounters starting late last year, in Barangay Nangaan, Kabacan where there is a government-recognized MNLF “peace zone,” which MILF forces led by one Commander Kineg wanted to take over.

MILF spokesman Eid Kabalu said the latest encounter between Kineg’s group and MNLF forces led by Dima Ambel erupted while they were trying to pacify the feuding groups.

“We are trying our best to peacefully address the problem but unfortunately our efforts failed,” Kabalu said.