4 people died in S. Philippine clan war

MANILA - Four people died, while three others were wounded in Monday's clan war in the southern Philippine province of North Cotabato.

Lt. Col. Roy Galido, commanding officer of the Army's 40th Infantry Battalion, said Tuesday that members of the Celeste family were travelling at on foot in Alamada town at noontime when they were waylaid by Manangca clan.

This led to a firefight that later killed Jesse Celeste, Sangki Adiong and Bangsa Salimbot.

Princess Macalalim, Kahal Tabuacar and Andy Garcia were injured and rushed to the nearby hospital.

Galido said a government militiaman, identified as Celeste Sedidio, was killed while responding to the ambush.

"Based on our information, they (warring families) are involved in a land conflict," Galido said.

He added the suspects have been identified and its now up to the police to pursue their criminal liability.

Alamada Mayor Bartolome Lataza has convened a crisis group to prevent the escalation of conflict and to facilitate a dialogue between two families.