SUMMARY

The forces of Randy Karon represent the Karon clan, but Randy Karon is also a commander of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), a rebel group that used to fight the Philippine government.

The Karon clan is based in the provinces of Sultan Kudarat and Maguindanao on the southern Philippine island of Mindanao. Randy Karon has for a long time had his private army, as many clans in the Philippines have. Disputes over territory and control over villages have on several occasions engaged the forces of Randy Karon in conflict with other clans in the area, primarily the Caludtiag clan under the leadership of Jing Caludtiag. Clan feuds are common in the southern parts of the Philippines and are locally called “ridos”. A rido can go on for years or even decades before it is solved, often with the help of third party mediators and blood money.

The forces of Randy Karon have been involved in the non-state category of UCDP organised violence.