Maguindanao fighting rages; 38 killed

MANILA, Philippines – The fatalities in the fighting in Maguindanao between government forces and Moro rebels rose 38, the military said on Wednesday.

“When we cleared the area, we recovered bodies that reached 37. We have the names of 12 of them and verification is continuing. The number could reach higher more as soon as we verify ground reports. We are with local officials and police in verifying,” Colonel Dickson Hermoso, Army’s 6th Infantry Division said Wednesday.

Last Tuesday, a soldier was killed and seven were wounded from the fighting. A civilian was also injured.

The law enforcement operations by police backed by military against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters started on Sunday and were supposed to last for three days. They were supposed to serve warrant of arrest to Moro rebels who are facing criminal charges.

“But as the clashes developed we requested for an extension for another 72 hours,” Hermoso said.

The clashes on Tuesday in Damabalas and Datu Piang broke out at 9 p.m. ended at 1 a.m. on Wednesday.

The BIFF is the breakaway group of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. The government signed a peace deal with the MILF over the weekend in a bid to end decades-long insurgency. The military previously denied the link between the clashes and the peace agreement.

Hermoso said the rebels also planted improvised explosive devices and fired mortar rounds against government troops.

The explosion in Datu Piang on Tuesday was caused by the BIFF, Hermoso said.

“They did that to ease the pressure to their comrades but the irony was that civilians- a pregnant woman and a child- were the victims,” Hermoso said.

The BIFF also split into smaller groups and they are currently being pursued by government forces.

Based on a radio report, there were 10,000 residents in parts of Maguindanao who were evacuated to safer ground. They will only return until the government forces are able to serve their law enforcement operations.