Monday, August 25, 2008

Hunted Maasim attackers suffer "30 casualties"

MAASIM, Sarangani (August 24, 2008) – Rogue Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) forces that attacked Maasim have suffered 30 casualties as government troops caught up with them Saturday (August 23), a military officer said today.

"There are more than 30 casualties from the enemy," said Lt. Col. Alexander Ambal, commander of the 73rd Infantry Battalion. "Kahapon ang report sa atin marami na silang hinahatak. Our information come from our troops on the field na talagang nakikita nila tinatamaan, tumitilapon yung mga kalaban."

Two government soldiers were wounded, Ambal said.

The military fired gun-howitzers Saturday.

Two army battalions have been pursuing the MILF band that attacked Maasim town August 18, killing two innocent civilians and terrorizing residents. The rebels also ransacked stores in the public market and attempted to overrun the police station but were repulsed by police.

On Saturday (August 23), army troops overran hiding places of the MILF band, Ambal disclosed. Firefights erupted at 7am killing 10 bandits in barangay Pananag.

Two MG-520 rocket-firing attack helicopters conducted bombing runs in rebel hideouts in sitios Tadaskilib, Kiongo and Kaliong in Pananag. The attack helicopters resumed their flights Sunday.

"Our soldiers were deployed here to bring justice to the criminals sa ginawa nila dito sa Maasim at pagpatay sa dalawang inosenteng sibilyan na walang kalaban laban," Ambal said.

He said government troops are continuing their manhunt operation against the criminals under a certain Kumander Alo Binago. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

No comments: