14 killed, 2,500 others displaced in Maguindanao clashes

At least 14 people were killed in new clashes between two groups disputing over a parcel of land in the southern Philippine province of Maguindanao, the military said on Friday. Col. Prudencio Ramos Asto, spokesman of the Army's 6th Infantry Division, said the two warring groups were fighting over six hectares of land in Datu Piang town. Asto said one group was reportedly led by a certain "Commander Hadjime" while the other, by "Commander Abunawas." The report did not immediately say when the skirmish happened but six of the fatalities allegedly came from Hadjime's side, while eight reportedly came from Abunawas' side. Asto said almost 500 families or around 2,500 people have already fled the area since the skirmish occurred. Classes have already been suspended in nine schools because these were converted into evacuation centers, Asto added. Local authorities assured the public that relief goods will be given to displaced individuals. Brig. Gen. Rey Ardo, 6th ID commanding general, has already instructed his men to monitor the situation to prevent the armed groups from "crossing the borders which are not part of the conflict in order to insure security and safety of the people in the community particularly Datu Piang." - VVP, GMA News