Four dead as Philippine clans clash over election

COTABATO, Philippines, May 15, 2016 – Four people have been killed in clashes between rival political clans in southern Philippines, authorities said Sunday, just days after a contentious election reinstated a local mayor. Fighting has flared between Sabal and Buisan clans in the strife-torn southern province of Maguindanao over the vote on May 9, the same day as national elections, which saw Muntasir Sabal retain his post, beating out a Buisan-backed opponent. A member of the Buisan family was killed a day before the polls and subsequent violence on Friday and Saturday claimed three more lives. Location map photo courtesy of Wikipedia   About 15,000 people have fled the town of Talitay since Friday as fighters from both sides gathered in the area, local police chief Senior Inspector Freddie Solar said. He added those fighting had ties to the country’s two largest armed Muslim groups that once fought the government [...]