PIGCAWAYAN,
North Cotabato -- An undetermined number
of suspected Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) on Wednesday attacked
two villages in the borders of North Cotabato and Maguindanao, police said.
Chief
Inspector Realan Mamon, chief of Pigcawayan PNP, said the BIFF first harassed
the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT) outpost in Barangay Malagakit
which resulted to a fierce firefight.
The tension
now centers in Barangay Malagakit and the adjacent Barangay Simsiman, forcing
hundreds of residents to flee.
Mamon said
the lawless group was led by Commander Aguila that operates in the boundary of
Pigcawayan and Northern Kabuntalan town of Maguindanao.
He also
confirmed that nobody was hurt as of posting time.
The LGU
quickly suspended classes in all levels in Malagakit, Simsiman and nearby
villages to guarantee the safety of students.
Mamon has yet
to confirm reports circulating that some students were held hostage by the
rebels.
Meantime,
joint elements of military and PNP are conducting pursuit operations against
the BIFF.
The Municipal
Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (MDRRM) rescued some residents and
brought them to an evacuation center nearby. (John Andre Tabugoc/PNA)
No comments:
Post a Comment