Army negotiates ceasefire between rival clans in Cotabato City
The military helped two feuding clans in Cotabato City agree to a ceasefire after recent gun battles forced residents to flee.
Following renewed hostilities that sparked gunfire and displaced residents, the army secured a ceasefire between two warring clans in Cotabato City. Brig. Gen. Ricky Bunayog, commander of the 6th Infantry Division, brought together Barangay Kalanganan mother chair Bimbo Ayunan Pasawiran and Ustadz Abusaima Hussain, commander of the 128th base command of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces, for talks at Camp Siongco in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte.
The parties committed to uphold the military-led cessation of hostilities and a police probe, led by Col. Jibin Bongcayao, will examine the cause of the recent exchange of fire. The clashes, which erupted after the Bangsamoro parliamentary elections on Sept. 14, involved firearms and M-79 grenades but resulted in no deaths or injuries. The army and Philippine Air Force deployed troops and helicopters to maintain security, and patrols will continue in the coastal village of Kalanganan, home to about 18,900 people.
Why it matters
The ceasefire aims to stop violence and protect civilians in a volatile post-election area of Mindanao.
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