200 schoolchildren in Cotabato remain 'displaced'

From GMA News (Jan 19): 200 schoolchildren in Cotabato remain 'displaced'

At least 200 schoolchildren remained "displaced" due to tensions created by the presence of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) near their school in Pigcawayan, Cotabato.

Superintendent Omar Obas, division head of the Department of Education in Cotabato, said pupils of Buricain Elementary School have been refusing to attend classes out of fear of the BIFF's presence.

“Yes, we still have pupils displaced in the recent armed conflict in Pigcawayan town who do not want to return to school due to the presence of armed men,” Obas said.

Obas said that he himself advised teachers against returning to the elementary school.

“As long as the school is still not safe, I don’t recommend holding classes in that area,” Obas said.

At least 20 heavily armed BIFF fighters stormed the village of Buricain and held hostage residents attending the Christmas Eve Mass at the chapel.

Meanwhile, schoolchildren displaced due to family feud (rido) in the towns of Midsayap, Pikit and Matalam have started attending classes since Monday last week.

Obas, however, admitted that several pupils could not attend classes because their school uniforms and educational materials were destroyed after the warring clans torched their homes.

He said that they could not force the pupils to attend classes because their parents may be preventing them due to fears of possible breakout of hostilities again.

Obas said they remain hopeful that security forces will be able to restore peace and order in towns in Cotabato.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/551785/news/regions/200-schoolchildren-in-cotabato-remain-displaced