clash between MILF and government troops occurred in Sarangani

Miami
June 25, 2008
Story 2: clash between MILF and government troops occurred in Sarangani

A clash between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and 27th Infantry Battalion at Sarangani occurred early morning of Wednesday, June 25, 2008.

According to Major Armand Rico, Spokesperson of Eastern Mindanao Command, the encounter started at around 6:30 am when the armed men members of MILF attacked the Ptarol base of 27th IB in Barangay Ticulab, Maitum, Sarangani.

Rico said, the group that attacked the government troops is about 50 members of MILF. The encounter also reached the barangay Maguling. He also added that the encounter was finished at around 2:30 pm, but the government troops still stay at the area for security operations. The encounter stopped when the MILF leave the area.

He also added that troops are doing security operations at the area even before the clash happened because of intelligence report that power tower lines will be exploded by still unidentified group.

Rico said from the incident, one got killed in the encounter and believed to be a member of MILF named Agunod.

Meanwhile, Eid Kabalu, Spokesperson of MILF confirmed the incident and said that the incident was only due to the frustrtaion of their members on the peace process negotiations that did not push through, “Because some of the mediators are not focusing anymore.”

He also denied the reports of the military that there is one member of them that got killed. He said there were no fatalities or casualties on their part.

He added that the MILF also has a post in the said barangay.