COTABATO CITY — The local police office of Sultan sa Barongis town in Maguindanao del Sur announced on Wednesday that more military forces have been deployed following an infighting between Moro Islamic Liberation Front groups broke out and killed three combatants.

Town police chief Maj. Michael Ameril, however, said that normalcy has been restored and the local government is trying its best to resolve the family feud diplomatically.

Army's 6th Infantry Division commander Maj. Gen. Roy Galido, on the other hand, said the soldiers will serve as peacekeepers and ensure the safety of civilians in Barangay Barurao, Sultan sa Barongis.

To recall, the clash between rival Moro groups started on Tuesday and the exchanges of gunfire and mortars lasted for seven hours until Muslim religious leaders and MILF ceasefire panels intervened.
"Efforts are underway to prevent another hostility," Sultan sa Barongis Mayor Allandatu Angas Sr. said.

Involved in the hostilities are MILF armed groups led by Marhan Sali and Ustadz Daya.

Ameril said the group of Sali, a sub-commander of the MILF 118th base command, first attacked the group of Commander Jaype Emran of 105th base command in Barangay Barurao, apparently to avenge the death of Sali's relative during the skirmishes on 14 December.

"They are all related (by blood); this is now a rido (family feud)," Ameril said.

Angas said the town government has provided initial food packs to families who fled their homes but have returned to their respective communities.