Government gains ground vs. MILF raiders in Sarangani

MAASIM, Sarangani (August 24, 2008) – Army troops are advancing into hiding places of a band of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), triggering firefights Saturday (August 23) that killed 10 bandits in barangay Pananag.

An official report confirmed the death of 10 members of MILF in an encounter which started at 7am.

The military operation was a response to the criminal attacks by MILF rebels in Maasim August 18 that killed two innocent civilians and robbed several stores in the public market. The MILF also pillaged villages in Maitum town in June and held civilians hostage as they retreated towards Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat.

Sarangani has remained to be peaceful until some MILF rogue elements believed to be coming from the different parts of the region especially from Cotabato and Palimbang attacked.

"We are gaining ground in surrounding the enemy," said Governor Migs Dominguez, referring to some 70 MILF rogue elements led by a certain Alu Binago.

Binago and his men are held responsible for the killing of two innocent civilians when they attacked Maasim poblacion Monday.

Two MG-520 rocket-firing attack helicopters conducted runs Saturday in sitios Tadaskilib, Kiongo and Kaliong in Pananag identified to be the rebels' hideout.

The 73rd Infantry Battalion led by Lt. Col. Alexander Ambal has overrun the said lair.

"Hopefully we will see justice served to the innocent civilians who lost their lives in the recent attack in Maasim," Governor Dominguez said.

"We see to it that we are in contact with the civilian evacuees and facilitate their needs," said Ben Solarte, disaster management and quick response team leader.

"Donations from various agencies are pouring in, giving assistance to the evacuees," he added.
A total of 1,916 families have been transported into different evacuation centers in Colon National Elementary School, Maasim Elementary School, municipal gym, Daliao and Kanayan barangay halls, Lumatil barangay hall, Kanalo barangay hall, Pananag Elementary School and Crossing Lobo Evacuation Center, Lumasal and Banwang Elementary Schools.

The provincial government is using government trucks in transporting the evacuees to the evacuation centers.

The provincial and municipal social welfare and development offices and the quick response team facilitate the distribution of relief goods to the families.

"Kalinaw gyud unta (We really hope for peace)," said Layong Sanatan from Lumasal.

Sanatan, along with more than 200 families evacuated at the gym were provided with food and clothing from private donors.

Kalinaw Sarangani Unit project manager Jocelyn Lambac said in Daliao, families helped each other despite lack of food and transportation.

"Our task is to reach out to these families and tell them to calm down at talagang kinakausap naming sila (we really talk to them)," Lambac said.

Kalinaw facilitates and helps access assistance from donors. "And we see them all coming to help us after knowing what's happening to the innocent civilians," Lambac said. (Russtum G. Pelima/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)