PAGALUNGAN, Maguindanao: The clash involving Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters has taken its toll on Moro civilians, the same group that these two armed organizations vowed to protect.

Thousands of civilians with their valuables from five remote villages here and in nearby Pikit, North Cotabato, fled toward the town center as rival Moro armed groups figured in fierce fire fight since Saturday night.