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Wednesday, June 09, 2004
Palimbang situation still volatile
By Ben O. Tesiorna and Peng Aliño
IT'S all back to normal now in Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat after the encounter between some Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) members of the Misuari breakaway group and the elements of the Philippine National Police last May 27.
This was the assurance made by the Armed Forces of the Philippines Tuesday after reports claimed that the situation in the area is still volatile.
The Army's 601st Brigade commander, Col. Fred Cayton, said the mayhem started when MNLF commander Maurin Sabiwang and his followers allegedly taunted the authorities by displaying their high-powered firearms along the highway of Barangays Libua and Kolong-kolong in Palimbang last May 27.
A day before, the same group allegedly harassed CVO's in Lumitan.
He said the PNP along with CVO's responded to the situation, which resulted to an armed encounter, last May 31 in Barangay Butril, which resulted to the death of Kumander Pes Abdila from Sabiwang's group. None was injured from the authorities.
Thousands of residents in the area were forced to evacuate for fear of being caught in the crossfire.
He said the situation is however back to normal in Palimbang as of Tuesday. He added though that despite the latest development about 3,000 residents still remain in evacuation centers.
In another news, two members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) were killed while 5 others were wounded as a result of the tactical operation being conducted by the military in Sitio Makabinbang, Barangay Molon Maitum in Palimbang last June 1.
Col. Cayton said their operation was to prevent the kidnap for ransom group from operating in the area. He said one soldier was also wounded in the encounter.
Cayton said their hot pursuit operation against the Abu Sayyaf is still ongoing as of presstime.
(June 9, 2004 issue)
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