BIFF attacks North Cotabato villages, snatches civilians
The bandits are using the civilians as human shields to prevent soldiers from getting close to their positions, according to the Army’s 602nd Brigade. File
NORTH COTABATO , Philippines – Members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) attacked two farming villages in Pigcawayan town at dawn yesterday and took at least three families as hostages.
The bandits are using the civilians as human shields to prevent soldiers from getting close to their positions, according to the Army’s 602nd Brigade.
Five BIFF men, three of them identified as Guligaw Anding, Samer Undong and Udtog Amil, were killed in an encounter with government troops.
Police said around 300 BIFF men raided the outposts of community watchmen, looted houses, took farm animals and ransacked a school in Barangays Simsiman and Malagakit. The bandits were led by Abunawas Damiog, Abu Saiden and Salahudin Hassan, according to local officials.
Sources from the Pig-cawayan municipal government said 62 families fled their homes when fighting erupted.
Witnesses said the BIFF men also prevented a still undetermined number of villagers from leaving their homes amid the fighting, which was ongoing as of 2 p.m. yesterday.
Mayor Eliseo Garcesa Jr. ordered the suspension of classes in public schools in affected barangays and nearby areas following the attack.
Capt. Arvin Encinas, 6th Infantry Division public affairs officer, said the 34th Infantry Battalion is leading operations to regain control of the affected barangays. – With Jaime Laude
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