Members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) left the school they earlier seized in North Cotabato taking with them at least five civilians as troops pursued them, according to reports.
The rebels used the civilians as human shields against army soldiers pursuing them, claimed Capt. Arvin Encinas, spokesman of the 6th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army.
BIFF Spokesperson Abu Misri Mama, however, denied taking civilians hostages saying they were just taking them to a safe place so they will not be caught in the crossfire.
Mama confirmed that the BIFF is behind the attack on an army outpost in Pigcawayan town early on Wednesday.
The rebels launched their attack at the Barangay People’s Augmentation Team (BPAT) outpost in Barangay Malagakit and another in Barangay Simsiman at around 4 in the morning.
Government forces fired back and the gunfight continued until sunrise.
According to Encinas, the Army are currently in pursuit of around 200 BIFF men led by Commander Abunawas Damiog alias “Commander Agila”, who escaped to the Maguindanao marshland.
The Pigcawayan police helped the local government evacuate the residents of Malagakit and Simsiman to the poblacion.
Photo Credits: Alchetron.com
