ALL CIVILIAN HOSTAGES IN MIDSAYAP ATTACK FREED

https://news.abs-cbn.com/nation/regions/09/24/13/farmer-beheaded-midsayap

September 24  2013

Midsayap Attack Update

By Manny Pinol

www.mannypinol.com

In spite of conflicting claims on whether the civilians caught in the crossfire in the attack staged by the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in two barangays in Midsayap, North Cotabato were hostaged or “just kept for their safety,” all 15 captives were released as of early this morning.

Local radio news broadcast this morning confirmed the release of the remaining four hostages while the first group of nine people were freed last night.

The hostages, most of whom were teachers in Midsayap, were earlier reported missing after the rebels staged the surprise attack which left four soldiers dead and several others wounded.

BIFF spokesman Abu Misry claimed that the civilians were just “kept for their safety” and their celphones and other belongings taken from them.

The spokesman of the Philippine National Police seemed to agree with the BIFF issuing a statement that the civilians were not hostaged.

This statement drew the anger of relatives of the victims who denounced the PNP for downplaying the danger experienced by the hostages.

As of this morning, field reports said the BIFF attackers have dispersed into small groups and rode in motorized bancas as they disappeared into the vast Libungan-Torreta Marsh.

Source: Manny Piñol