MATALAM, Cotabato — Fighters of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Moro National Liberation Front clashed in a remote village of Matalam, Cotabato Sunday afternoon after an MNLF member shot dead a member of the rival organization over what authorities believe to be a “rido” or clan feud.
Superintendent Bernard Tayong, acting Cotabato police spokesman, told PNA Abdulkarim Unsil, 39, a member of the MNLF “Council of 15” faction and a resident of Sitio Kisupit, Barangay Marbel gunned down Tony Polalon of the MILF’s 108th Base Command and resident of Barangay Iligan.
Unsil fled toward Sitio Kisupit, chased by his victim’s comrades.
This triggered a three-hour clash in Barangay Marbel that left four persons wounded: Jocelyn Tan and Anisa Iman, wives of MNLF members; and MILF fighters Francis Abas and Rasel Naga.
The fighting ended when leaders of both organizations intervened and declared a ceasefire.
