Rival groups clash in the Philippines

July 23, 2013
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NORTH COTABATO, Philippines – Members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) clashed Sunday (July 21st) at the border of Matalam town and Kidapawan City, local media reported.

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    Hundreds of local villagers were displaced but many of them returned home shortly after the violence ceased.

    Two people were wounded, according to Philstar.com. Captain Antonio Bulao, 602nd Infantry Brigade spokesman, said the army was forced to shut portions of the Cotabato-Davao national highway. The hour-long gun battle took place about 1km from the motorway, according to Inquirer.net.

    MILF forces attacked a MNLF community early in the morning but withdrew after former Representative Jimmy Matalam appealed to Noah Sabel, leader of the MILF's 108th base command.

    Bulao said Sunday's clashes were an extension of hostilities between the groups that started in Matalam in May.

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