2, 344 families displaced in Maguindanao land dispute

MANILA, Philippines - At least 2,344 families or more than 9,000 persons have been displaced due to armed conflict over a land dispute among members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Maguindanao, disaster management officials said yesterday.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said the gun battle, which started last July 25, involves MILF members of seven barangays in Sultan Sa Barongis and Rajah Buayan.

Majority of the affected residents were evacuated to local elementary schools while the rest were moved to private houses.

Members of the NDRRMC disaster management personnel in Sultan Sa Barongis are providing assistance to the evacuees.