CVOs attack and occupy civilian communities in Ampatuan; army troops join
2010-07-27

The armed civilian volunteers organization (CVOs) under certain Marcos and elements of the 46th Infantry Battalion (IB), Philippine Army, which jointly operated against the civilians at Barangays Bakuku and Matagabong, Ampatuan, Maguidnadanao are now occupying civilian communities and farms at the two barangays.

This situation had gripped to fear and insecurity the civilians in the area and adjacent communities.

Field reports stated this situation this morning following fierce encounter yesterday at barangay Bakuku and Matagabong.

At about 3pm yesterday, the armed CVOs of Marcos attacked the civilians and farmers at Barangays Bakuku and Matagabong  following refusal of the civilians to give in to their extortion activities.

Accordingly, the marauding CVOs were demanding some sacks of rice from the civilians who will be harvesting their paddies in the area. But when the civilians refused their extortion, the abusive CVOs attacked the civilians.

Firefight ensued as the MILF forces, who are families and relatives of the civilians being abused and attacked by the armed CVOs, on their personal volition eventually came to support their civilians.

Surprisingly, however, the elements of the 46th IB came to provide reinforcement to the abusive and extorting CVOs, and firefight continued until last night.

The armed CVOs were also the prime suspects in the burning of houses and rape in the municipalities of Datu Abduallh Sangki in Maguindanao last month.

The involvement of MILF troops was triggered by the fierce attack on their civilians and was not sanctioned by the MILF leadership. These troops withdrew from the areas of engagement following order from the higher MILF command.

Score of casualties were reported on both sides but their identities were still being verified.

Civilians from the area, the report cited, were complaining of looting of properties, missing farm equipment and four cows, which they point as handiwork of the marauding CVOs.

Accordingly, activities of the civilians and farmers were seriously disturbed and adversely affected by the presence of the CVOs and elements of the 46th IB in the embattled barangays and neighboring areas.

website:http://www.luwaran.net/index/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1479:cvos-attack-and-occupy-civilian-communities-in-ampatuan-army-troops-join&catid=81:moro-news&Itemid=372

Author: Luwaran
Source: Luwaran.net
Date Published : 2010-07-26

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