1 Dead, 2 Wounded in Cotabato Clash

KIDAPAWAN CITY – One person was killed, and two others were wounded after allegedly being caught in the crossfire in the clash between members of the 108th Base Command of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and armed farmers in Barangay Estado, Matalam, Cotabato on Wednesday afternoon, a military official said. The hostilities also displaced residents in the area. The military official, who asked for anonymity, said the clash happened around 3 p.m. Wednesday. He said the MILF members and the armed farmers were allegedly involved in a dispute over land ownership. "The two wounded civilians were immediately brought to a hospital for treatment," he added. He said the fatalities and injured were civilians who were allegedly caught in the crossfire. The military official said they are still investigating the incident and the number of casualties. He added that the MILF and the Philippine Army have been in a ceasefire agreement since 2014. "We are still verifying the information," he said. He said the police and the military are now in the area to ensure the safety of the residents and to prevent further hostilities. "We are coordinating with the MILF to de-escalate the situation," he added. He said they are also conducting a profiling of the armed farmers to identify their leaders and members. He said the MILF has been involved in a peace process with the Philippine government since 2014. "We are committed to peace," he said.