3,000 families flee BIFF harassment in Maguindanao

From the Manila Bulletin (Nov 18): 3,000 families flee BIFF harassment in Maguindanao

At least 3,000 families have fled to safer grounds as fighting between government forces and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) continue in Raja Buayan, Maguindanao.

The clash which erupted Sunday night left four BIFF rebels killed and one soldier wounded.

Colonel Dickson Hermoso, 6th Infantry Division spokesperson, said about 50 BIFF guerrillas attacked the detachment of the 45th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Sapakan, Raja Buayan, Maguindanao.

Simultaneously, the BIFF also attacked a post of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

“The BIFF wanted to over-run our detachment in Barangay Sapakan, but our forces were ready so we repulsed the attackers,” Hermoso told the Philippine News Agency.

He said the BIFF was into “hit and run” attack since separating from the main MILF group which signed peace deal with Manila.

“We pity the young BIFF armed men, they have no combat experience and they were sent by its leaders to attack a more powerful, more equipped military forces,” he said.

Raja Buayan Mayor Zamsamin Ampatuan said the local government has extended relief assistance to the displaced families. Some have returned home.

Ampatuan said the BIFF, while publicly saying it is only after the military, the civilians are the most affected.

http://www.mb.com.ph/3000-families-flee-biff-harassment-in-maguindanao/