By Basir Alipolo
Correspondent
Pigcawayan, North Cotabato — MILF commandos from 105th Base Command of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) allegedly led by Abdulrashid Ali also known as Commander RP figured in an armed encounter with barangay tanods and the Citizen Armed Force and Geographical Unit (Cafgu) of Sitio Valencia, Barangay Bualan, Pikit, Cotabato, over the weekend.
Combatants of the BIAF, armed with high powered weapons, scared off the residents in the area and attempted to steal their crops and livestock.
But the combined force of the Cafgu and barangay tanods of the village engaged the group in a firefight that started from 5 am Saturday and lasted for four hours, the group of Ali was eventually suppressed until reinforcement from the Philippine Army arrived.
Initial reports from the ground said one of Ali’s men was killed while two others were reportedly wounded in the encounter and listed zero casualties on the government’s side.
An emergency coordinating meeting was called on Sunday to immediately resolve the conflict and restore the Joint GPH-MILF Ceasefire Agreement. The meeting was participated by the Coordinating Committee on Cessation of Hostilities, MILF, and the Philippine Army.
Tension have now subsided while the CCCH are currently investigating the incident for possible violations on General Cessation of Hostilities that was signed in 1997.
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