State of man-made calamity declared in Maguindanao barangay over MILF clashes

A state of man-made calamity was declared in Barangay Dungguan in Datu, Montawal, Maguindanao due to clashes between two field commanders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

According to a report by Jamie Santos on State of the Nation with Jessica Soho, Commanders Butoh Mantol and Paglas Balaumol are involved in family disputes.

Three people have died while 21 others were hurt after the armed conflict, authorities said.

Many civilians were forced to flee the area and classes in three schools were also suspended for the public’s safety.

The local government has provided assistance to hundreds of affected families.

Mayor Datu Otho Montawal and some MILF officials have appealed to the two commanders to settle their dispute.

A state of calamity was also declared in General Santos City after a fire hit Gaisano Mall following a 6.5-magnitude earthquake that struck parts of Mindanao last Wednesday.

A calamity fund worth P21 million will be allotted to over 2,000 mall workers within 45 days.

The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council also found that General Santos lacks fire hydrants.

Meanwhile, in Kidapawan City, a 4.5-magnitude aftershock struck past 2 a.m. on Wednesday.

Hundreds of residents whose houses were affected by the quake spent the day at a covered court that served as an emergency shelter.

The local government has assured the residents that they will soon be relocated. — Julia Mari Ornedo/BAP, GMA News