Dozens displaced in BIFF attack

COTABATO, Philippines – Dozens of residents were displaced when the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) attacked a banana plantation in Cotabato on Tuesday.

Speaking over Catholic radio dxMS in Cotabato City, BIFF spokesman   Abu Misry Mama said their forces were responsible for the harassment of security guards at the plantation of Del Monte Philippines in Barangay Dungos in Tulunan town.

Tulunan police commander Inspector Rolando Dillera said hostilities started when the BIFF fired assault rifles and 40 mm shoulder-fired grenades at the security guards of the banana plantation.

Meanwhile, the Midsayap municipal government reported yesterday that hostilities have dislocated 2,097 families in the town.

Tension has waned in several barangays in Midsayap, but evacuees are reluctant to return home.

The Armed Forces is enhancing security operations in Central Mindanao, particularly in Maguindanao and Cotabato.

Public affairs chief  Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc said security forces have intensified ground operations against the BIFF.

“The AFP remains committed in supporting the peace process and we will remain ready to confront all those who want to spoil the peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front,” he said.

Cabunoc said troops have found booby traps that the BIFF had left in Parang, Maguindanao the other day.

“We have enhanced our security operations in order to check all these atrocities committed by the rebels against the civilians,” he said.

Reports from sources in Cotabato yesterday said BIFF is massing in the Liguasan Marsh for  simultaneous attacks in Cotabato and Maguindanao.

Cotabato Gov. Emmylou Lala Taliño-Mendoza and Midsayap Mayor Romeo Araña have taken displaced residents to evacuation sites. – John Unson, Jaime Laude