SHARIFF AGUAK, Maguindanao Sur — The Maguindanao del Sur Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management on Wednesday reported that the ongoing clashes between a Moro Islamic Liberation Front group and Dawlah Islamiya local terrorists in Datu Hoffer town here sent more than 70 families fleeing to safer areas.
PDRRM officer Ameer Jehad Ambolodto disclosed that the displaced families belonging to Teduray Indigenous Peoples are temporarily housed in an unfinished building in the area.
“As of today (Wednesday), no word yet from the military if the IPs can return home,” Ambolodto said.
Army’s 601st Infantry Brigade commander Brig. Gen. Oriel Pangcog said that the clashes between MILF commander Saga Malandag of 118th base command and DI-Hassan Group under commander Abdulnasser Guianid, started since Monday in Barangay Mother Tuayan, Datu Hoffer town.
Government troops also found two dead DI combatants at the clash site, as residents claimed they could still hear gunshots believed to be from both sides of the warring groups.
Pangcog said a long-standing “rido” (family feud) between Guianid and Malandag triggered the skirmishes.
Lt. Albert Pansoy, Datu Hoffer town police chief, said the police and military forces in Datu Hoffer, an upland town, remained on heightened alert.
Ambolodto said the provincial government is ready to augment the emergency assistance to the evacuees estimated at 360 individuals.