Reports say the tension between fringe groups of both the government (Village Militia units or CAFGU's) and some elements allied to rebel groups in Maguindanao have been repeatedly engaged in attacks on each other endangering peace talks in the area.

MANILA BULLETIN
[]... " The Mindanao Solidarity Network (MSN), group of individuals that advocate and initiate peace and development in southern Philippines, had expressed concern about the rapid escalation of conflict in Maguindanao province in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

Reports gathered by the MSN showed that the conflict had escalated from at least 10 villages in Shariff Aguak, Datu Junsay, and other nearby municipalities in Maguindanao. The conflict has escalated since June 28 up to present. " ...[]

The report shows that while the smaller units alliedf mostly to politcal factions may have been the fallout for an attempt on the life of the ARMM governor a few weeks back in Datu Piang town Maguindanao.

This part of the ARMM is relatively loosely in a state of sudden conflicts over 'REDO's' or vendetta clashes. Driving through the area from Cotabato City towards Koronadal one can see a lot of different armed groups in the area aside from the Military and Police and the Rebels.

It is true that in many areas the small armed units are all that keeps the delicate balance of peace of and open conflict at times in this area. Decades of conflict also m,ake it difficult for Government forces to just hop in - many of the fighgts have roots in the Moro Insurgency over time and also Politcal fueds in the area are common.