Friday, August 29, 2008 Maasim attackers suffer 30 casualties: Army
MAASIM, Sarangani -- Rogue Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) forces that attacked Maasim suffered 30 casualties as government troops caught up with them Saturday, a military official said Sunday.
"There are more than 30 casualties from the enemy," said Lieutenant Colonel 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 Army battalions have been pursuing the MILF band that attacked Maasim town on 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, Army troops overran hiding places of the MILF band, Ambal said, adding that firefights erupted at 7 a.m. 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.
"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.
