COTABATO, Philippines — More than 200 families have been displaced as firefights between soldiers and Islamic State-inspired militants resumed in Carmen, Cotabato province on Tuesday. Cotabato province is also called North Cotabato, its old name. Both units are under the Army’s 602nd Infantry Brigade based near the town proper of Carmen. The clash on Tuesday forced 187 families to relocate to nearby Barangay Lawili, Carmen immediately after dawn. Samarita said Army units in the province will assist local officials in extending relief services to evacuees.

Source: Philippine Star December 20, 2017 00:56 UTC