MANILA, Philippines – As early as July 30, the intelligence community in Mindanao received information about a plan by the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) to launch attacks in central Mindanao.
Intelligence units continued to verify such information until last week, intelligence sources told Rappler.
On Sunday evening, August 5, BIFF troops attacked key military detachments in Maguindanao, triggering a gun battle with Army troops that lasted till Monday morning, August 6. Three had been killed in the attacks.
In Maguindanao, at least 400 civilians, including children and senior citizens, are being held hostage by the BIFF in Barangay Saniag, Ampatuan, Maguindanao, according to a resident.
“Ric” (not his real name as he begged not to be idenfitied for fear of his life), a father of 4, told reporters he was among those initially held hostage by BIFF members but managed to escape along with about 20 others.
“They brought the residents to the Saniag Elementary school,” Ric said in the local Hiligaynon dialect. He said the rebels had told them that they launched the attacks to bring attention to their plight.
“They haven’t provided food for the children and the old,” Ric added. “We hope they will be released soon.”
The information could not be confirmed independently with authorities as of posting.
The BIFF broke away from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, which is holding peace talks with the Aquino administration. – with reports from Ferdinand Cabrera/Rappler.com
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