BIFF-Army clashes in North Cotabato subside but evacuees refuse to return home

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 11): BIFF-Army clashes in North Cotabato subside but evacuees refuse to return home

Fighting between government forces and lawless Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in the borders of Maguindanao and North Cotabato have died down but the military remained on alert.

Government forces in full battle gear remained visible along portions of the Cotabato-Davao highway Sunday morning as clearing operations continue some two kilometers away where fierce clashes erupted Saturday morning.

Since no shelling have been heard and the BIFF stopped firing back at government forces, evacuees believed it was safe to return home. Others prefer to stay one more day before heading back home.

Mayor Vicente Suropia of Aleosan, North Cotabato said the families, numbering about 500, are temporarily housed in Barangay Pagangan and in two villages of adjacent Pikit town, also in North Cotabato.

Col. Dickson Hermoso, speaking for the 6th Infantry Division, said the rebels have stop fighting with government forces and fled toward Datu Piang, Maguindanao Saturday night.

He said while the tension had died down, elements of the 40th and 7th Infantry Battalion, station in Aleosan and Pikit towns, respectively, have remained on alert.

Soldiers continue to provide road security along portions of the Cotabato-Davao highway to thwart any attempt by BIFF bandits to take control of the road network like they regularly do in Maguindanao highway.

Fighting erupted Saturday morning when BIFF members harassed a militia and Army detachment in Sitio Tubak, Barangay Pagangan, Aleosan.

The Army had to use mortar fire to drive away the rebels. Shelling ceased Saturday night when the rebels fled to Datu Piang using the Rio Grande de Mindanao.

Infantrymen conducted clearing operations until Sunday morning.

Residents who fled their homes Saturday remained in evacuation sites in Pagangan and Nalapaan, Pikit, refusing to return home until their community is cleared from lawless elements.

Other displaced families wanted to return home but were advised to wait for order from the security officials.

Sorupia said his office is still assessing the situation of affected villages and will soon give the green light for displaced families to return home.

He said dump trucks and other vehicles owned by the local government are on stand by to help the evacuees return home. Relief operations are on going.

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