Media workers billeted at the MCC Hotel Wednesday after a day's coverage in several evacuation centers in Iligan City and Lanao del Norte were informed by a man claiming to be a Police Anti-Crime and Emergency Response (Pacer) member about the reported sighting of MILF just two kilometers away from the hotel.
The police officer then briefed the journalists as well as other hotel guests of what to do in case the rebels attack the complex.
The Army however assured journalists as well as other hotel guests and employees that the complex is secured and that Army soldiers from the 35th Infantry Battalion constantly patrol the vicinity.
On Tuesday evening, hundreds of Iligan City residents came out in the streets and started evacuating their homes after a rumor spread that the MILF rebels are near.
Army trucks and armored personnel carrier readily responded to the chaos and assured the residents that the rumor is not true.
In a text message, the AFP's Eastern Mindanao Command cautioned the public from easily believing into rumors, saying this is exactly what the MILF wanted to happen.
"The rebels treacherously attack towns by surprise. The tool they use to surprise is called confusion. They sow confusion through their text brigade. These people do nothing but text us misinformation. When we become confused, we begin to doubt the veracity of text messages. Then they attack. Don't play into their hands. Don't pass unconfirmed text messages. Always confirm before sending messages," read the Eastern Mindanao Command advisory.
But residents chose to believe information they receive.
They said residents of Barangay Libertad in Kauswagan town had received information about an impending MILF attack three days before Monday's rampage by the MILF in Kauswagan, Linamon and Kolambugan.
Residents had been blaming the AFP for their lack of immediate action on the information that resulted to the death of 31 people, 28 of whom are civilians.
Thousands have been leaving their homes in Lanao del Norte since Monday.
Though some have started returning to their homes Tuesday, many still opted to stay in evacuation centers in Iligan and Ozamis City where they feel safe from the MILF threat. (Ben O. Tesiorna)
