Civilian hostages in Pigcawayan rescued by government forces

CAMP SIONGCO --- The troops of Joint Task Force Central successfully rescued 31 hostages held by the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) following the harassment of the latter at the  Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT) outpost in Barangay  Malagakit  last June 21.

Troops of the 602nd Brigade advanced towards Malagakit Elementary School at around six in the evening to rescue the hostages held by the BIFF.And upon seeing the government troops, the bandits hastily retreated going to Barangay Simsiman leaving behind their captives.

Upon learning the arrival of government troops and the retreat of the BIFF, other civilians hiding inside their houses for fear of being accosted by the armed band went out and joined the hostages.

Thirty-one freed hostages and the 32 other trapped civilians have been secured at the Battalion Tactical Post of 34th Infantry Battalion for proper disposition.

Barangay Malagakit has been cleared from the BIFF bandits. Pursuit operation then was conducted against the fleeing bandits. (6^th ID – MINDANAON EXPOSE’)