CAFGU killed in BIFF attack, Cotabato crisis 'contained'

A member of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit has been reported killed in the clashes between the military and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters who earlier attacked the town of Pigcawayan in Cotabato.

According to a report by Joseph Morong on State of the Nation, the military also reported 73 civilians getting rescued from the conflict zone as of Wednesday night.

The report added that BIFF members who took over Malagakit Elentary school have also been driven out.

"As of this time, masasabi nating contained na ang situation," Pigcawayan Mayor Eliseo "Jun" Garcesa told Jessica Soho in an interview on GMA News TV's "State of the Nation."

"As of now, nagsu-subside na ang fire engagement," he added.

Capt. Nap Alcarioto, spokesman of the Army's 602nd Brigade, said two CAFGUs were injured in the clashes.

He indicated that retrieval operations continue in the area.

"Wala nang armado dun sa lugar, bale ang ginagawa na lang po ngayon ay retrieval ng civilians," said Alcarioto said two CAFGU's were wounded in the clashes.

Capt. Arvin Encinas, spokesperson of 6th Infantry Division, said the bandit group no longer held any hostages.

"Sa ngayon officially wala nang hawak na hostages yung BIFF," Encinas said.

He added the group also left the school where they initially holed in.

"'Yung BIFF negative na (sa school). Nung padilim na at around 6 o'clock habang gumagapang, papalapit 'yung ating tropa, tumakas sila leaving behind itong civilians na ginawa nilang hostages," Encinas said.

Garcesa denied that hostages were taken in the town's schools.

"Hindi naman hostage yan ah," Garcesa said.

"Ang nangyari kasi ay may ilang grupo lang ng tao na naiwan sa area and hindi sila pwedeng lumabas dahil...hindi medyo safe na lumabas sila," he added.

The regional and local government promised to bring food and medical assistance to more than 1,000 evacuees the town kindled since the attack.

Encinas said the BIFF members left those who were later rescued.

"Habang palapit yung tropa natin...kumuha ng tiyempo itong BIFF na magwithdraw, iniwan din yung hostages nila, mga 31," Encinas said.

The BIFF group led by Commander Abunawas Damiog alias Bayawak, Commander Abu Zaiden, and  Commander Sala attacked the Barangay Peacekeeing Action Team detachment Wednesday morning.

They also went to nearby schools where they used the civilians as human shields. —Claire Layug and Amita Legaspi/NB, GMA News