Government forces clash with fighters of mighty political clan
Police were looking for 4,000 armed men in Maguindanao province
Manila: Government forces clashed with fighters of a powerful political family in Maguindanao province on Sunday after a strongman and four family members were arrested for their alleged involvement in the massacre of 57 people last month, authorities told Gulf News on Monday.
Philippine National Police chief Director General Jesus Verzosa said: "Gunmen loyal to Maguindanao governor Ansal Ampatuan and Mayor Ansal Ampatuan Jr of Datu Unsay fired on patrolling police commandos who were looking for 4,000 armed men in Datu Unsay municipality on Sunday evening."
A shot was also fired when military and police officials were talking to reporters about 39 firearms that were found at a farm near Sharif Aguak, the provincial capital.
The farm is owned by the Ampatuans, police spokesman Chief Superintendent Leonardo Espina said.
"The unit was on a routine security mission in search of illegal weapons...when they figured in the encounter," said Espina, adding that the armed men withdrew when government forces deployed two armoured personnel carriers in the area.
No casualties
There were no casualties in the two clashes, officials claimed.
The members of the Civilian Volunteers Organisation (CVO) have become members of the Amaptuan's private army, said Armed Forces deputy chief for operations Maj Gen Gaudencio Pangilinan.
"The 4,000 armed men can create trouble in Maguindanao. They are capable of arson, bombings and hijacking buses and trucks in isolated areas," Pangilinan said.
"The CVOs were allegedly involved in the massacre of 57 people last November 23. They should surrender. They should give up their firearms. The Armed Forces would launch a military operation against them if they do not surrender," said Armed Forces chief Gen. Victor Ibrado.
"These [militiamen] said they will fight government forces," said Ibrado.
Meanwhile, four machine guns were found near the Ampatuan mansion in Sharif Aguak, the provincial capital, Colonel Crescente Ferrer, leader of ongoing raids on the Ampatuan's headquarters, said in a radio interview.
"They managed to slip out some guns and ammunition before the declaration of martial law in Maguindanao late Friday. They have fled to the hinterlands of Maguidnanao. They are in a defensive position, but are prepared to fight the government," said Ferrer.
Earlier raids on Ampatuan properties yielded state-of-the-art military hardware, anti-tank weapons and armoured personnel carriers. They were armed by the government to control insurgents in the south.
