[Gulf Today] Philippine security forces and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters engaged in heavy clashes in Maguindanao province the military reported on Friday. Captain Jo-Ann Petinglay said the running battles centered on several villages in the towns of Datu Saudi Ampatuan and Datu Unsay.The fighting resulted in the closure of a major highway linking Maguindanao to other areas in Mindanao and caused the evacuation of thousands of residents. Petinglay noted the evacuation started as early as Friday morning when local residents noticed the presence of heavily-armed BIFF militants in the area.
Chief MILF peace negotiator Mohagher Iqbal said that they had ordered all its field commanders to avoid the fighting. He said, "The directive is clear for our men to step aside and give way to the military operation. Our only concern and appeal is for the military to ensure the safety of the civilians (in the fighting)."