BIFF group from Mamasapano triggers evacuation

From ABS-CBN (Feb 6): BIFF group from Mamasapano triggers evacuation

A number of civilian residents temporarily left their houses in a remote village in Pikit, North Cotabato after learning that an unidentified number of fully armed men had moved into their area, a military official said.

According to 602nd Brigade spokesperson Capt. Calvin Macatangay, members of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), a breakaway group of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), have been sighted in Barangay Kabasalan, Pikit since Tuesday.

The BIFF group is supposedly headed by Kagui Karialan.

"Nanggaling na rin ito sila ng Mamasapano pero dahil medyo mainit pa doon kaya pumunta muna siguro sa Kabasalan at magpahinga," said Macatangay.

Macatangay said, after learning the presence of Karialan's group, the Eastern Mindanao Front of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) under Jack Abas gathered its members from 108, 109 and 110 Base Commands to block the BIFF forces.

"Ang report is pupuntahan daw ng MILF ang BIFF pero yung agenda 'di pa ganon kalinaw, then ayaw ng grupo ni Karialan and parang nagdagdag pa ng tao doon," Macatangay added.

Reports said gunshots were heard in the area past 6 p.m. Thursday.

However, the military said they still need to confirm the information.

"Actually, medyo restricted tayo sa area ng Kabasalan. It is also known as an MILF community " said Macatangay.

The military remains in a defensive position.

Troops from the 602nd Brigade were also being deployed to the area to monitor the situation.

According to military reports, the group of Karialan came from Mamasapano, Maguindanao.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/02/06/15/biff-group-mamasapano-triggers-evacuation