COTABATO CITY, Nov. 25 -- Armed hostilities that erupted Monday in a remote village in Matalam, North Cotabato, involving Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) factions have left seven persons dead, including an MILF field commander.

The fatality was identified as MILF commander Salidato Langalen, whose family is locked in a "rido" (clan feud) with another MILF commander.

"Government forces have been deployed to ensure the safety of civilians and to allow MILF leaders to settle the misunderstanding of their men on the ground," Brig. Gen. Ricky Bunayog, commander of the Army's 602nd Infantry Brigade, told reporters on Tuesday.

He added that the identities of the other casualties are still being validated.

The hostilities broke out aroun...