MILF REPORT:

ON GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES (GRP)

CONTINUING INDISCRIMINATE MILITARY OPERATIONS AGAINST THE
MORO ISLAMIC LIBERATION FRONT AND THE BANGSAMORO PEOPLE,

RECORDED ARMED ENCOUNTERS AND HOSTILITIES IN THE PROVINCES OF

MAGUINDANAO, COTABATO, SULTAN KUDARAT AND SARANGGANI
FROM JULY 1, 2008 – JUNE 16, 2009

and

THE PREVAILING GROUND AND IDPs SITUATION

The indiscriminate and relentless military offensives by the Government of the

Republic of the Philippines (GRP) utilizing its entire armed forces against the Moro
Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) while the peace talks between the two parties were in the
stage of culminating the signing of the GRP-MILF Memorandum of Agreement on
Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) started on July 1, 2008 in Sitio Tubak, Pagangan, a village
resided by native MILF members, in Aleosan, Cotabato.

Clashes, hostilities and violence had escalated unavoidably, blew out of

proportion, and adversely affected other provinces in Mindanao, particularly
Maguindanao, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Saranggani, Sultan Kudarat, Basilan and
Zamboanga peninsula, the following month of August, catapulted by government
indiscriminate and disproportional military offensives option against the active defensive
and guerilla counter-offensives by the Bangasmoro Islamic Armed Forces – Moro Islamic
Liberation Front (MILF). The government military campaign option has apparently put
the ceasefire mechanisms in jeopardy, peace talks in limbo and the peace process in the
collapse.

It must be pointed out that it was on August 8, 2008 that the Philippine
government started its military campaign against MILF forces and Bangsamoro civilian
communities in a disproportional manner further aggravated by its imposing collective
punishment without the valid ground but in the pretext of lame alibi for law enforcement
even at the expense of scuttling the peace process. Thus far, there is no clear indication
that this military campaign and onslaught will be averted soon, a situation that does not
augur well to a disposition of serious and honorable gambit by the government to
peacefully resolve the sovereignty-based, politically-rooted centuries–old Mindanao
conflict and Bangsamoro problem.

Note that the government declaration for military offensives came barely three
days after the aborted signing of the initialed GRP-MILF Memorandum of Agreement on

1
Ancestral Domain slated on August 5, 2008 in Malaysia. It was unfortunately aborted due
to the government’s reneged on obligation capped by the controversial premature
intervention of the Philippine Supreme Court by issuing express order restraining the
government peace panel to proceed with the scheduled signing of the already initialed
MOA-AD.

These days, government hard hand offensives and military carnage blatantly
devoid of adherence and respect to international humanitarian laws, laws of war, and
internally recognized human rights had been bolstered though being done intermittently
but again appearing to continue indefinitely. In fact, based on government
pronouncements, AFP is bracing up for more intensified operations against the MILF and
the Bangsamoro people.

Recalling that the government argued the military operations was launched as a
matter of law enforcement obligation directed against identified three military base
commands of the BIAF – MILF, (105th, 102nd and 103rd Base Commands), which the
government said are under rouge commanders that attacked civilian communities in the
provinces of Cotabato, Lanao del Norte and Saranggani.

But that insistence of the government as basis for military operations will lose the
ground to stand on if an impartial investigation to be led by the International Monitoring
Team (IMT) and government – MILF ceasefire committee could have been undertaken
within the context of the GRP – MILF peace process. The MILF, for its part, insisted the
conduct of an immediate impartial investigation on the purported case in order to find
out the truth and allow the peace process to take its due course without undue
interruption. Perhaps, the position of the MILF was not given a chance because an
impartial investigation would result to the deconstruction of the government notion,
which in fact is but a matter of lame alibi to justify its military action that until now
jeopardizes the peace process and rendered hundreds of thousands civilians, mostly
Muslims, immense sufferings and social divides along ancestral domain, racial and
religious lines.

Thus, the worst unfortunate consequence was created on the ground since last
quarter of last year. A humanitarian disaster had came to fore, which the international
humanitarian institutions, United Nations specialized agencies and non-governmental
organizations had confirmed as early as October last year. Since then, sad to say, the
severe, if not inhuman, brunt of this humanitarian tragedy devastated our people’s lives,
liberty, properties in a state beyond comparison.

For the month of July 2008

July 01, 2008

More or less 150 government soldiers belonging to 40 Infantry Battalion

th
(IB), 6 Infantry Division (ID), Philippine Army (PA) together with some elements
of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographic Units (CAFGUs) attacked the MILF forces
at Sitio Tubak, Barangay Pagangan, Aleosan, Cotabato on mere allegation that
the MILF were massing up its forces at the area. There was no truth to the
allegation as only some 20 MILF forces were based in the area and they are all

2
natives or local residents of Tubak. These MILF forces under Commander
Mustapha of the 105th Base Command were tending their farms at Tubak and
unarmed when attacked by the composite forces of the government. Sitio Tubak
is about 2.5 kilometers away from the national highway. Commander Ismael
Manalapas, first cousin of Commander Ta, came to reinforce Commander Ta with
his more or less 30 forces. Ismael is a unit commander under National the Guard
Based Command of the BIAF – MILF based at Barangay Bualan, Pikit, Cotabato.
Tubak and Bualan share borders. At 1pm, the ceasefire was enforced without
casualty inflicted on both sides.

July 14, 2008

Some farmers and members of armed Civilian Volunteers organizations

(CVOs) of Barangay Bago Libas, Aleosan while planting rice at lower Bago Libas
were allegedly fired upon by unidentified armed elements. The farmers
immediately suspected the group of Commander Ta as the perpetrators. But
Commander Ta had denied any knowledge and involvement on the said incident.
No firefight took place but the farming activities were hampered. Sitio Tubak,
where Commander Ta and his men are holding positions, is approximately two (2)
kilometers up high overlooking the paddy fields at lower Bago Libas.

July 15, 2008

Farmers and civilians of Bago Libas went back at lower Bago Libas to
continue with their farming chores. But due to the alleged strafing incident on
July 14 against them, around 40 armed CVOs went ahead in the area to conduct
clearing operations and provide security for the farmers. Unfortunately the armed
CVOs had reached the most advance observation or listening post / perimeter
defense of Commander Ta at Sitio Tubak while doing the clearing patrol. This
triggered a firefight between the armed farmers and CVO of Bagolibas and the
group of Commander Ta from 10am and until 4pm. No casualty on the side of the
MILF during the firefight. On the other side, two (2) got killed and three (3) were
missing in action, to include the Chief of Police of Aleosan, who got involved in the
fray. The ceasefire committees and IMT had intervened through phone lines and
managed to effect ceasefire and separation of forces. In the evening, the three
missing persons had safely returned to bases.

July 22, 2008

At around 10am, firefight erupted at Sitio New Valencia, Bualan between

the group of Cmdrs Ta and Ismael against the group of Catalan. No casualty was
reported.

On the other hand, at around 3pm of the same day, some Christian
farmers of Barangay Pagangan Sitio 2, Aleosan, Cotabato were locked in a
firefight with forces of Commander Ta that resulted to the death of certain
ROQUITA CALARASA, 61 years old and a resident of the said Sitio, and wounding
of certain GEMMA CALARASA, daughter in law of Roquita. The two civilians were
reportedly caught in the crossfire.

3
July 24, 2008

At 11am, more or less 500 armed CVOs of the province of Cotabato led by
Barangay Chairman Cantomayor of Bago Libas attacked the MILF forces at Tubak,
Pagangan, Aleosan. Six (6) were killed and four (4) were wounded on the side of
CVOs. Probably, the action of the armed CVOs together with some armed civilians
to took up arms and attack the MILF forces could had been triggered by the death
of Roquita Calasara and wounding of Gemma Calasara last July 22, and by the
strong calls and instigations from the local government officials, particularly Vice
Governor Emmanuel “Manny” Pinol, to armed the civilians and fight the MILF
forces.

Soldiers of the 40IB, Philippine Army deployed their forces along the
National Hi-way. Sporadic firefights continued until 5pm. In the evening, mortars
were fired indiscriminately by the government forces, to include the 40 IB,
against MILF positions and civilian communities.

July 25, 2008

Firefight erupted in the afternoon between local MILF forces and armed
CVOs at Sitio Popoyon, Bago Libas, Aleosan. After the firefight, the MILF forces
were accused of torching scores of houses. But the MILF forces vehemently
denied such accusation, saying the houses made of light materials were not
burned down but were hit by grenade launchers and mortars. In the evening, the
government forces, armed CVOs and Philippine Army troops, bombarded with
several rounds or mortars suspected positions of MILF. Civilian communities were
also hit by mortar shelling.

July 26, 2008

Very early morning this day, news reports came saying the peace talks had
collapsed. The report rendered the situation, particularly in Aleosan and
Midsayap, scorching hot and highly volatile. At around 9am, the government
forces started shelling with 105mm and 81mm the forces of the MILF at Sitio
Tubak without any provocation.

Immediately, big reinforcement troops from 105th Base Command coming

from Shariff Kabunusuan and Maguindanao provinces went to Aleosan upon
learning of the attacks against their comrades and that the CVO troops were
heavily consolidating in full battle gear together with government soldiers
supported by armor assets from the 602 nd Bde, Philippine Army. In the afternoon,
skirmishes erupted. And in the evening, several rounds of mortars were fired
toward MILF positions.

July 27, 2008

At 8am, heavy fighting erupted at Mampurok, Aleosan while the armed

CVOs were fortifying positions around the Muslim civilian communities in the
area. Firefight escalated to Baliki, Midsayap and Bago Libas, Aleosan. Soldiers of
the 40IB, CAFGUs and CVOs used mortars in firing the MILF positions.

4
 This day warring forces started to beef up their formations and defenses.
Exodus of civilians took place in a manner that the Muslim civilians evacuated to
Muslim communities in Pigcawayan and Pikit while the Christian civilians
evacuated to Christian populated barangays in Aleosan and Midsayap.

Meanwhile, the good news for the moment was that the GRP – MILF Peace
Negotiating Panels had initialed the MOA-AD and had scheduled its formal signing
on August 5, 2008 in Malaysia.

July 29, 2008

Skirmishes took placed at Mampurok and Dungguan, Aleosan and in Baliki,

Midsayap. In the evening, mortars were fired indiscriminately by the government
forces that hit some civilians at Barangay Rangeban, Midsayap, Cotabato. The
victims were identified as Kenene SABAL, 16 years old, and the other two (2)
wounded victims were a girl and a boy who is 12 years old.

July 30, 2008

Sporadic fighting blazed up in several barangays of Aleosan and Midsayap,

Cotabato Province between government and MILF forces which were separated by
merely 200 to 300 meters gap, an eye ball to eye ball situation. And in the
evening, several rounds of mortar shelling were fired towards the positions of the
MILF by the CVOs and military.

July 31, 2008

Skirmishes erupted at Mampurok and Baliki while the ceasefire bodies and
IMT were discussing with Colonel Estomo, Commanding Officer of the 602nd Bde,
Philippine Army, CVO commanders and barangay officials proposed measures on
how to resolve peacefully the conflict. No casualties were reported on both sides.
But in the evening, mortar and strafing were fired unabated toward MILF and
Muslim civilian communities.

For the month of August 2008

August 1, 2008

No report of skirmish during the day other than the unabated mortar
shelling against MILF positions by government forces despite persistent complaint
by MILF ceasefire committee and IMT to its government counterparts.

August 2, 2008

The situation on the ground had relatively improved. No encounter was

reported. Perhaps, this could be attributed to the initialing of the GRP-MILF MOA–
AD. Unfortunately, mortar shelling by government forces still took place in the
evening against MILF positions in Baliki, Midsayap.

5
August 3, 2008

A brief firefight erupted at Barangay Gumaga, Matibeng and Santa Maria,

Municipality of Libungan, Cotabato between elements of the 105 th Base Command
and CVOs which resulted to mass evacuation of Muslim residents to Barangay
Nalin while the Christians evacuated to Barangay Upper Baguer in Pigcawayan.

Accordingly, the firefight in Libungan had erupted when elements of the

th
105 Base Command harvested rice paddies owned by Christians for the reason
that, accordingly, these MILF forces own these farm lands that are now being
occupied and tilled by the settlers.

At one hand, sporadic exchange of fires took place in Mampurok, Dualing

in Aleosan and Baliki, Midsayap. Again in the evening, indiscriminate mortar
firings against MILF positions were reported.

August 4, 2008

Tension in Aleosan, Midsayap and Libungan went high as the armed CVOs
/ CAFGUs were pursuing or moving closer to MILF positions at Mampurok and
Dungguan, Aleosan; Baliki, Midsayap; and Matibeng, Libungan.

At around 5pm, firefight took place at Mampurok, Aleosan and Baliki,

Midsayap following the issuance of Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) by the
Supreme Court barring the government peace panel from signing the initialed
Memorandum of Agreement on the Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD). Again in the
evening, mortar shelling against MILF positions was unleashed.

August 5-6, 2008

Sporadic exchange of fires transpired between the MILF and government

forces in Aleosan and Midsayap, Cotabato. But casualties were not known on both
sides. In the evening, again, the MILF forces were targeted by the mortar shelling
of the government forces.

August 7, 2008

The government issued a 24-hour ultimatum for the MILF forces to leave
the barangays in Aleosan and Midsayap they were occupying or face police and
military action. This was pronounced by Local Government Department Secretary
Ronaldo Puno in a press conference at Camp Crame, Manila at around 10am. This
ultimatum came two days after the aborted MOA-AD signing in Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia.

August 8, 2008

This was the day that clashes and hostilities blew out of
proportion.

6
 At around 4:30PM, or more than six hours after the government ultimatum
had lapsed, the troops of the 7th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army, attacked the
MILF forces at Baranagy Tapodoc in Aleosan. The attack came while the MILF
forces were beginning to reposition its forces at Barangays Dualing and Mapurok,
Aleosan and Baliki, Midsayap in compliance to agreed resolution measures made
by the government and MILF ceasefire committees together with the Malaysia-led
International Monitoring Team (IMT).

Earlier, at around 3:30pm, while the GRP – MILF CCCH and IMT were
explaining to the MILF forces the contents of the Joint Resolution, particularly on
the repositioning of forces, the government armed CVOs fired at the MILF forces
at Barangay Mampurok, which is approximately 200 meters away from where the
GRP – MILF CCCH and IMT were conducting the dialogue.

MILF forces did not return fire in order to prevent any clash that might
endanger the lives of BGen Reynaldo Sealana, Chairman of the GRP CCCH, Toks
Ebrahim, Chairman of the MILF CCCH, and IMT Head of Mission His Excellency
First Admiral Dato’ Pahlawan Amzah Bin Sulaiman and their staff.

It would seem that the CVOs, who fired at the MILF forces at the time, had
never cared at all for the safety and security of the GRP – MILF CCCH and IMT
officials who were facilitating the enforcement of peaceful settlement of the
conflict.

The MILF forces attacked by the 7th IB at Tapodoc were the companions of
Mr. George Kasim, a member of the MILF AHJAG, who was tasked by the BIAF
Chief of Staff to assist on the repositioning of MILF.

Informed of what had happened in Tapodoc, the MILF forces, who were
actually repositioning in compliance to the resolution, went back to their most
forward positions at periphery of Barangay Dungguan and Mapurok in order to
establish defenses necessary to prevent the military forces at Dualing to force
their ways and wills to the MILF positions at Dungguan.

Fierce firefight erupted at Dualing, Mampurok and Dungguan, Aleosan and

Baliki, Midsayap. At one end, the firefight at Tapodoc escalated to Barangay
Kulambog, Pikit, Cotabato prompting thousands of civilians to evacuate.

Because of the treacherous attack by the government forces on the

repositioning MILF forces, 105th Base Commander Ameril Umbra Kato, not at all in
defiance of the GRP-MILF CCCH and IMT Joint Resolution, pronounced that they
will no longer reposition their forces and fight the treacherous government forces.

August 9, 2008

Intense fighting erupted in the following areas – Tapodoc, Langayen,

Dualing, Bago Libas, Pagangan in Aleosan; Baliki, Silik, Upper and Central Labas,
Patindegen, Nalin and San Mateo in Midsayap; Kabpangi, Tubon, Matibeng, Santa
Maria and Upper Baguer in Pigcawayan; Gumaga, Libungan; and in Kulambog,
Pikit; all of Cotabato Province.

7
 Air strikes from OV-10 bomber planes, F5 and MG520 were launched by
the government military forces. Government reinforcement troops from Luzon
and Manila were already ordered to be sent to the battle ground immediately.

August 10, 2008

Fierce and bloody clashes ensued after an evening of relative silence less
the mortar and artillery shelling against the MILF positions and civilian areas.

During the day, the government forces unleashed more or less eight
rounds of OV10 bombs, several bombs from the F5 fighter planes and from the
MG520 helicopter gunships. Hundreds of rounds 105mm and 81mm mortars were
fired until evening.

One tank and two (2) M35 military vehicles were destroyed by RPG of the
MILF. Several high caliber firearms were captured by the MILF forces. 57
government soldiers were killed in action. One MILF fighter was martyred.

August 11, 2008

At 6:30am firefight took place at portion of Dalingawen, Takepan and

Nalapaan in Pikit along the National Highway. Heavy fighting ensued in other
areas like Silik, Kulambog, Pikit; Dualing, Pagangan, Bago Libas, Tapodoc,
Langayen in Aleosan; and Baliki, Upper and Central Labas, Midsayap.

At of 9:00am, police recommended the closing of the portion of the

national highway over reports that MILF guerrillas were only around 200 meters
away. The highway was reopened to traffic in the afternoon.

Air strike by OV10, F5 and helicopter gunships intensified, unleashing

around 30 fighter planes bombs, rocket launcher and machine guns of MG520
gunship helicopter, and hundred shells of 105mm, 81mm and 60mm were fired.

August 12, 2008

Fighting subsided. Only pocket resistance from the side of the MILF forces
at Barangay Dungguan and Langayen. In the afternoon, air strikes pounded the
said areas using international bombs. The air strikes hit some Muslim civilians at
Barangay Makatal, Midsayap.

August 13, 2008

At around 10am, the government declared that embattled areas in the

province “clear of MILF forces.”

August 14, 2008

The government started gathering complaints basic to filing of appropriate

charges against Umbra Kato and his men for their purported atrocities committed
in Cotabato Province.

8
August 15, 2008

Secretary Gilbert Teodora of National Defense and Vice Governor Manny

Pinol declared that the police and military pursuit operations against Umbra Kato
and 105th Base Command will continue. In the afternoon, a massive deployment
of AFP troops took place at Kabuntalan, Maguindanao in pursuit of the military
offensives against Commander Kato’s group and other MILF forces. Civilian
residences of barangays Ganta, Tumaginting, Magaslong and Liong started to
evacuate to Datu Odin Sinsuat and Cotabato City for fear of being caught in the
crossfire when clashes broke out between government soldiers and MILF fighters.
In the evening, several houses situated at Barangay Labas, Midsayap and
Barangay Kabpangi, Pigcawayan owned by Muslim civilians were razed to the
ground by government forces.

August 17, 2008

Hundreds of houses at Barangay Dungguan, Aleosan owned by Muslim

residents were torched to flame by government soldiers.

Massive deployments of AFP troops were taking place at the towns of

Shariff Aguak, Datu Unsay, Datu Saudi and Datu Piang, all of Maguindanao, which
indicated the continuation and escalation in this province of the police-military
offensives of the government against the MILF. Thousands of civilians immediately
evacuated for these areas are known stronghold of the 105th Base Command, and
that other MILF military units such as the 106th Base Command and the MILF
Central Committee’s Task Force Ittihad (Unity) are also operating in these areas.

At one hand, reportedly MILF forces attacked Poblacion, Maasim,

Saranggani Province at early morning. Accordingly, pawnshop, drugstore and the
local police station were simultaneously assaulted MILF forces, which even looted
some properties. Two civilians were killed and another one wounded during the
incident. Civilians also evacuated. Meanwhile, some unidentified MILF forces had
allegedly attacked villages in the municipality of Alabel, Saranggani Province that
accordingly resulted to some deaths and injuries on civilians and destruction of
public properties.

August 18, 2008

AFP / CAFGUs / CVOs looted properties and burned houses of Muslim

civilians at Barangay Pagangan and Dungguan, Aleosan.

August 19, 2008

At around 1pm, Commander Umbra Kato and his men on board two
motorized boats were ambushed by elements of the 6th Infantry Battalion,
Philippine Army at Barangay Ganta, Kabuntalan. One of Kato’s men was wounded
and one of their boats had capsized. Kato’s group managed to fire back which
resulted to deaths of two government soldiers. In the evening, AFP
indiscriminately bombarded several barangays in Kabuntalan with mortars and
howitzers that wounded civilians identified as Ramla Anda, 3 years old wounded

9
at her legs, Raisa Anda, 13 years old wounded at her waist, and their parents
Esmael Anda and Subaida Anda.

Meanwhile, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in

Central Mindanao filed criminal complaints against Commander Ameril Umbra
Kato and his men on multiple charges such as arson, murder, robbery and serious
illegal detention. Moreover, the government has offered reward money of PhP5
million for each of Commander Kato and Commander Bravo to anyone who can
give information that will lead to their capture.

August 20, 2008

Composite forces of the Philippine Army attacked the Task Force Ittihad
(Unity) of the MILF Central Committee at around 5:50am at Barangays Kuloy,
Tapikan 1, Tapikan 2 and Lapok in Shariff Aguak and the Joint Ceasefire
Monitoring Elements (JCMEs) of the GRP – MILF Ceasefire Committees at
Barangay Bagong Upam, Datu Unsay, Maguindanao.

Task Force Ittihad was deployed by the Central Committee to 10

Maguindanao towns in coordination with the ceasefire committees with the
mandate of promoting unity among MILF members, local government units,
government armed forces, and civilians in the areas. JCMEs, at one hand, are
buffer force bilaterally put in place by the government and MILF ceasefire
committees.

During this day of military rampage, the AFP launched heavy

bombardment from 105mm howitzers, air bombs, including international bombs,
from the OV 10 bomber planes, fighter planes, and helicopter gunships.

Some innocent civilians, including children, were killed and wounded by

the indiscriminate artillery and air attacks of the AFP. Thousands of innocent
people were displaced, houses were burned, sources of livelihood and farms of
the downtrodden civilians were destroyed.

Eighteen (18) government soldiers were killed, including certain 1Lt.

Bautista, new graduate of Philippine Military Academy (PMA). Seven soldiers were
also wounded.

Also affected by the mortar shelling and air strikes are Barangays Tatapan,
Kitango, Elian, Dapiawan, Gawang, Madia, Sambulawan, Pagatin and Kitapok in
Datu Saudi Ampatuan. In the evening, the artillery strikes continued, which
further aggravated the anxiety and traumas amongst displaced innocent people –
men, women, children and aged.

August 21, 2008

The government forces launched a predawn attack against MILF forces

along the riverbanks of Midsayap and Datu Piang, particularly at Barangay
Kadigasan and Damatulan. One tank and one M35 military vehicle were destroyed

10
by the MILF’s rocket propelled grenades. 28 soldiers were reportedly killed and
five (5) others were wounded.

Civilians residing at riverside barangays along Datu Piang Municipality,

such as barangays of Balong, Muntai, Anbadao, Kalipapa, Masigay, Alunganen and
Duaminanga were awakened by loud explosions and volume of fires.
Some of these civilians were stuck up inside their houses, trapped with
their children and cannot flee to safer ground, while the fierce indiscriminate air
strikes from OV 10 bomber planes, fighter planes and helicopter gunships were
going on. Civilian houses were being burned by soldiers at the time.

In the evening, at 630pm, convoy of army troops were ambushed by the

MILF forces at Sitio Pansul, Tambunan, Guindulungan that resulted to one samba
tank and one M35 truck destroyed and 24 soldiers killed and 8 soldiers wounded.

August 22, 2008

Fighting subsided in various towns of Maguindanao but the government

soldiers occupied the main public thoroughfares of the affected towns. Military
check points were put up with very stiff procedures and restrictions. AFP troops
denied civil society groups access to visit the evacuees. Burning of civilian houses
identified with the MILF by government forces continued with impunity. Mortar
shelling and air strikes were fired against positions of the MILF. Unfortunately,
civilian communities were hit resulting to killing and wounding of innocent people.

August 23, 2008

In the evening, again the military unleashed their artillery and

indiscriminately bombarded several villages in Datu Piang, Datu Saudi, Shariff
Aguak, Mamasapano, Guindulunga, Talayan and Kabuntalan, all of Maguindanao.
Killed as a result of indiscriminate shelling by government forces was Homidi
Abdurrahman, nine years old, and seriously injured was Samera Abdurrahman,
his eight-year old sister.

Five (5) more civilians were also brutally butchered by firing of the 105mm
howitzers by the AFP. They were identified as Ali Lamalan, 17 years old Arabic
student; Mantil Abdullah, 75 years old farmer of Barangay Dugungen; Saya Satol,
30 years old lady farmer; Angkad Matuwa, 79 years old farmer of Dugungen; and
Abdul Maliq Siddik, 60 years old entrepreneur. Two more unidentified civilians
were wounded.

In Barangay Pananag, Maasim, Saranggani Province, combined forces of

the 73 IB and 27th IB clashed with more or less 20 MILF forces at the first
rd

perimeter defense line of MILF Camp Khalid bin Walid. The clashes resulted to 78
government soldiers killed in action, based on report obtained from hospitals
where the government soldiers were brought.

11
August 24, 2008

Malacañang totally rejected the multi-sectoral call to declare ceasefire

instead intensified its relentless air, artillery and ground assault in the embattled
towns of Maguindanao. Thousand of internally displaced persons were languishing
at evacuation centers and makeshifts. They do not have enough food supply.
Worst, the government troops restricted civilians and civil organizations to
distribute food assistance at evacuation centers. Some civilians died at evacuation
centers. Civilian houses were being burned down by soldiers.

August 25, 2008

Fighting subsided but international humanitarian organizations, civil

society groups were not allowed by the government soldiers to go inside the
embattled areas. Hundreds of thousands of civilians continue to suffer at refugee
sites. Some had died from sickness and other acquired air and water born
diseases.

Government ordered the arming of civilians and initially distributed 20,000

vintage shotguns to civilians all over Mindanao to defend themselves from rebel
groups, particularly the MILF.
The second encounter at the first perimeter defense line of MILF Camp
Khalid bin Walid at Barangay Pananag, Maasim, Saranggani Province erupted
between composite forces of the Philippine Army and 20 MILF forces. No casualty
was reported on both sides.

August 26, 2008

The army continued with their indiscriminate firing of cannons toward

suspected positions of MILF forces in Maguindanao. More people were being
displaced and suffering despite ground encounters had subsided.

Government forces put the Muslim communities under siege and collective
punishment - bombing and shelling, restricting relief assistance, looting of
properties, burning of houses, killing, wounding, raiding, arresting and harassing
civilians including children.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) started posting "wanted" posters of

Commanders Bravo and Kato, who have reward money on their heads. One
Philippine Air Force C-130 plane transporting ammunitions, logistics and
reinforcement troops had crushed off the sea of Davao.

August 27, 2008

Business sectors stressed concern over developing dire effects of the

clashes in some parts of Central Mindanao and ARMM to their establishments.
Foreign donors and aid agencies expressed fatigue and intention to rethink the
implementation of their development programs due to security concerns.

12
 The government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace
panels met for the possible extension of the tour of duty of the International
Monitoring Team’s (IMT) in Mindanao.

The government-supported armed civilians known as ILAGA started

recruitment and training of their militias in Cotabato province, and made public
statements through the media that they will attack MILF forces and Muslim
communities in areas of Cotabato Province.

AFP bombardment using 105mm howitzers and bomber planes continued

in Datu Piang and Datu Saudi, Maguindanao.

August 28, 2008

The Malaysian government agreed to extend the tour of duty of the IMT
for three months with the appeal on both sides to end the ongoing clashes,
respect the ceasefire and uphold the primacy of the peace process.

On the contrary, indiscriminate artillery and air strikes of the AFP

intensified in Shariff Aguak, Mamasapano, Datu Pian, Datu Saudi, Talayan and
Guindulungan, Maguindanao that killed and injured innocent civilians.

August 29, 2008

The 104th Base Command forces of the MILF holding positions near the
Liguasan Marsh in the municipalities of Talitay, Talayan, Datu Anggal, and
Guindulungan, all of Maguindanao were heavily bombarded by air strikes and
artillery shelling of AFP. Thousands of innocent civilians were displaced from their
houses and livelihood.
The indiscriminate aerial and artillery bombardments had claimed the lives
of three (3) civilians. Several houses and properties were damage.

In the evening, the MILF forces attack the military positions at Barangays
Bagan, Pansol and Kalumamis, all of Guindulungan and at Salbu, Datu Unsay,
Maguindanao. MILF troops also attacked the AFP at Kitapok and Dapiawan, Datu
Saud ampatuan, wherein six (6) AFP soldiers were killed and one (1) MILF was
killed in action.

August 30, 2008

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) did not allow human rights and
civil society organizations to go inside the affected areas in Maguindanao to
document and assess the extent of damages.

Mortars were also fired indiscriminately from time to time by the military
which caused fear and unrest among civilians in the area.

In the evening, MILF forces attacked the AFP positions in Guindulungan.

Several government soldiers were killed and wounded during this attack by the

13
 MILF. The command post of the 64th IB at Crossing Salbu, Datu Unsay
Maguindanao was hit by several rounds of 81mm mortars of the MILF.

August 31, 2008

A day before the advent of the Holy Month of Ramadhan, guns and fire
powers have been silent in Maguindanao. However, several houses owned by
Muslims were burned down by armed civilians and government soldiers in
Barangays Dungguan, Langayen and Tapodoc of Aleosan and in some barangays
of Pigcawayan.

Consequently, MILF forces retaliated by attacking military detachments at

Pagangan, Aleosan, Cotabato. Seven (7) soldiers were wounded. No casualty on
the MILF side.

For the month of September 2008

September 2, 2008

Government report said the number of internally displaced persons had

reached to 501,899. 180,000 individuals were from Maguindanao. Total cost of
damages to infrastructures, agriculture and livelihood is around P100 million.
Nearly 300 families lost their homes due to the war, 188 of them totally razed to
ground.

September 3, 2008

At 11pm, the AFP detachment at Barangay Ganta, Kabuntalan, Shariff

Kabunsuan was attacked by the MILF. No casualty was reported.

September 4, 2008

MILF forces attacked the military posts at Barangay Tapikan, Shariff

Aguak. Two (2) military were killed and one CAFGU was captured.

Scores of houses, mini-stores and hardwares, and farm animals owned by

civilians in Dapiawan, Datu Saudi, in Barangay Damabalak, Talayan and Barangay
Nunangen, Datu Anggal, all Maguindanao were plundered by the AFP soldiers.

September 5, 2008

Reward money for the three “wanted” MILF commanders Kato, Bravo and
Pangalian was raised to P20 million.

The military and local government officials of Maguindanao asked the IDPs
to start returning to their respective barangays. But these did not materialize
because the military had again launched offensives and indiscriminate artillery
and air assaults against the suspected MILF positions in Datu Piang, Datu Saudi
Ampatuan, Mamasapano, Talitay, Talayan and Guindulungan, all of Maguindanao,

14
where the IDPs were supposed to go back home. These acts of the military also
irked the local government officials and the suffering IDPs.

September 6, 2008

MILF forces harassed three AFP/CAFGU Outpost at Pagangan, Aleosan,

Cotabato.

September 7, 2008

The MILF forces fired several rounds of 81mm mortars to the AFP Outpost
at Barangay Salunayan, Midsayap, Cotabato.

September 8, 2008

AFP air strikes had brutally killed 6 members of Mandi Family, four of them
were children, at Sitio Daganding, Barangay Tee, Datu Piang, Maguindanao. The
victims were on board motorized boat when they were fired upon by the air
assets of the AFP. Killed by the air strikes were identified as Mandy Manunggal,
Aida Mande (months pregnant) King Mande (17 years old), Adtayan Mande (8
years old), Faidza Mande (3 years old), and a certain Guiamaludin. This was AFP
massacre against civilians.

September 9, 2008

Civilian houses were burned by the government soldiers at Barangay

Dapiawan and Sambulawan, Datu Saudi Ampatuan. Civilians in the area had
witnessed the burning of houses by the soldiers. Firefight erupted at Barangays
Linantangan and Liab, Mamasapano, Maguindanao. Four soldiers were killed in
action.

The AFP armor vehicle was ambushed by MILF forces along the stretch of
Barangay Baliki and Dungguan in Aleosan, Cotabato that resulted to injuries of
several soldiers.

September 11, 2008

Several houses were burned by government soldiers at Barangay

Dapiawan.

September 12, 2008

Fighting in some barangays of Mamasapano, Maguindanao erupted again

between MILF troops and composite AFP soldiers / CAFGU and CVOs. CAFGU
leader identified as Datu Kanor and two of his men were killed during the
encounter. Civilian houses were charred down by government soldiers at
Barangay Bialong, Mamasapano, Maguindanao.

Forces of the 73rd IB and 27th IB attacked the MILF forces while praying
during Jumaat (Friday congregational prayer) at Barangay Daliao in Maasim,

15
Saranggani. Firefight ensued for more than four hours, even as the Philippine
Naval boats stationed at the coastal area of Maasim fired several rounds of
mortars. Based on body counts, 15 government soldiers were killed while 1 MILF
fighter was killed.

September 13, 2008

Patrolling soldiers were ambushed by the MILF forces at Dapiawan, Datu

Saudi, Maguindanao. Several soldiers died on the spot. Firefight also erupted at
Barangay Dugengen, Mamasapano between the MILF and AFP troops. Two
fighters died on the side of MILF.

September 15, 2008

At 2pm, fierce firefight took place at Barangay Manggay, Datu Anggal,

Maguindanao between forces of 104th and 105th Base Commands of the MILF
against the AFP soldiers. The MILF sustained two killed and three wounded. On
the part of the AFP troops, who were not familiar of the terrain, more than 20
soldiers were killed and undetermined number of wounded.

September 19, 2008

High-powered armed CVOs of Maguindanao bombarded with mortars the

positions of MILF in Baranagys Tapikan and Lapok, Shariff Aguak Maguindanao
from 6:30pm to 8pm.

September 20, 2008

High-powered armed CVOs of Maguindanao were demolishing and leveling

to the ground the houses that were burned down by government forces in Kuloy,
Tapikan and Lapok, Shariff Aguak using the equipment of the Provincial
government.

September 22, 2008

Several rounds of mortars were indiscriminately fired toward civilian

communities and MILF suspected positions in Barangay Bagong, Lapok and
Tapikan, Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao.

September 23, 2008

MILF forces attacked the AFP troops of 46IB at Barangay Muslim,

Guindulungan from 12midnight to 2am. 17 soldiers were killed and undetermined
number of wounded. One Simba tank was also destroyed. No casualty on the side
of the MILF. At 3pm, another encounter took place in the area as the government
soldiers pursued the MILF fighters who killed their comrades and destroyed their
tank. No casualty on both sides in the ensuing firefight.

16
 Another firefight erupted at Barangay Andabit in Datu Piang, Maguindanao
between MILF forces and composite troops of the Philippine Army from 1pm to
2:30pm.

September 24, 2008

Fierce clashes erupted at Barangays Nimao and Gawang, Datu Saudi

Ampatuan and Barangay Andavit of Datu Piang between government and MILF
forces. 20 plus government soldiers were killed and three were wounded. Six
MILF fighters were killed. No report of wounded on both sides.

Clashes erupted when hundreds of AFP men on board seven (7) M35
trucks accompanied with two (2) tanks reached Barangay Gawang at around
9:30am poised in pursuit operations against freedom fighters of the MILF. The air
support of the AFP could not fire their bombs due to the risk of hitting their own
men.

September 25, 2008

More civilians fled to safer grounds in Datu Piang, Maguindanao. AFP

pounded with heavy artillery and air bombs suspected MILF lairs in Nimao,
Gawang, Andavit, and Barrio Muslim from 11am to 3pm.

At around 9am, MILF forces attack the AFP outpost at Barangay Sulok,
Aleosan, Cotabato. No casualty was reported on both sides.

September 26, 2008

Heavy firefight took place at Barangay Nimao, Datu Saudi Ampatuan. In a

gun battle at Datu Gumbay, Datu Piang, eight civilians were wounded at the
crossfire.

Fighters of the 108th Base Command, MILF attacked the outpost of the
CVOs and CAFGUs at Sitio Sulok, Barangay Dungguan, Aleosan, Cotabato at
around 9pm. As a result, three men on the side of the government forces were
killed while one was slightly wounded on the side of the MILF forces.

September 27, 2008

A case of humanitarian crisis was confirmed by various local and

international organizations, including the Philippine-based Oxfam Great Britain,
ICRC and United Nations World Food Program.

An encounter flared up in the evening at Barangay Muslim, Guindulungan,

Maguindanao wherein one AFP mother tank was damaged and 17 AFP soldiers
were killed in action.

17
 September 28, 2008

MILF forces harassed the outposts of the armed CVOs / CAFGUs at

Barangay Baliki, Midsayap, Cotabato using 81mm mortars. No casualty was
reported.

September 29, 2008

25 Army soldiers were killed in an ambush while their convoy was passing
by the boundary of Madia and Pagatin in Datu Saudi Ampatuan town in
Maguindanao. In addition to the soldiers slain, one military truck, one hammer
truck and one Simba tank were damaged. The soldiers belong to the 54th
Infantry Battalion. In retaliation, government soldiers burned 43 Moro houses in
said two villages.
At around 3:30pm, fierce battle erupted at Barangay Nimao, Datu Piang,
Maguindanao. The MILF positions were heavily bombarded by AFP artillery and air
strikes.

September 30, 2008

Due to the ambush yesterday, the government soldiers, paramilitaries and

armed CVOs burned down more than 50 civilian houses situated along the road
connecting Barangays Pagatin, Nabalawag and Sambulawan in Datu Saudi
Ampatuan, Maguindanao.

For the month of October 2008

October 1, 2008

Firefight erupted in the morning at Dapiawan, Datu Saudi Ampatuan that

resulted to the death of four AFP soldiers while one MILF fighter and three
civilians were wounded. In the afternoon, around 31 houses in Barangay Pagatin
and 22 houses in Barangay Sambulawan, Datu Saudi Ampatuan were burned
down by the government soldiers.

October 3, 2008

Burning of houses continued in the afternoon wherein more or less 15

houses in Barangays Pagatin and Madia were burned down by AFP troops.

October 5, 2008

No reports of clashes. However, indiscriminate mortar shelling by the AFP

lingered on. In Barangays Madia and Pagatin, Datu Saudi Ampatuan,
Maguindanao, the houses, which were burned earlier, were being demolished by
the government armed forces using government construction equipment.

18
October 6, 2008

AFP unleashed indiscriminate mortar shelling towards Barangays Nimao,

Gawang and Dapiawan in Datu Saudi Ampatuan and in Barangay Tee and Andavit
of Datu Piang.

October 10, 2008

Evacuation sites in Barangay Sambulawan, Datu Saudi Ampatuan,

Maguindanao were raided at early morning by AFP troops, wherein civilians
identified as Surab Sinuka, Nasser Abubakar and Abe Kalikod were arrested
arbitrarily by the AFP troops from the evacuation sites.

October 12, 2008

AFP tank and a 6x6 truck exploded at crossing Barangay Tukanalipao,

Mamasapano, Maguindanao. The tank had rammed over unexploded mortar shell
from 105mm howitzer fired by government troops. 11 soldiers were killed during
the explosion. The tank and the military truck were damaged. Earlier, in Barangay
Tukanalipao, a child identified as Mohammad Talib Alil was hit by the
indiscriminate early morning mortar shelling by the AFP in Tukanalipao.

October 13, 2008

AFP troops belonging to the 54th and 64th IBs burned down civilian houses
in Barangay Liong, Datu Piang Maguindanao at around 7am.

MILF forces attacked the CAFGU detachment at Barangay Kabpangi,

Pigcawayan, Cotabato. Three CAFGU elements were wounded in action.

October 14, 2008

MILF forces and AFP / CAFGU elements clashed at Barangay Gumaga and
Balogo, Libungan, Cotabato. Indiscriminate air and artillery strikes by the AFP
pounded the marshy areas in Guindulungan, Datu Piang and Datu Saudi
Ampatuan where they suspected the MILF forces were holding positions.

October 15, 2008

MILF and AFP troops clashed at Barangay Nimao and Andavit of Datu
Saudi Ampatuan. Three government soldiers were killed by the strikes of their
own AFP aircrafts.

October 16, 2008

Indiscriminate artillery bombardment by the AFP hit and damaged the

Smart Cellular Phone Tower located near the town hall of Mamasapano,
Maguindanao. At 230am, MILF forces attacked the army detachment at Bagan,
Guindulungan that resulted to five soldiers killed and undetermined number of

19
wounded. At 7am, MILF forces attacked the detachment of the military at Tubak,
Pagangan. Two soldiers were killed by the MILF forces.

At 630am of October 16, 2008, elements of the 40 th IB, PA arrested

without due warrant Mr. Tontongan Dilanggalen at Barangay Nalapaan, Pikit.
In Barangay Linantangan, Mamasapano, Maguindanao, seven individuals
were arrested illegally by government soldiers at around 8:50am yesterday. The
victims were identified as Aladin Lamalan, Ding Datuan, Alimudin Ibrahim, Daud
Ibrahim, Binyamin Abdulatip and certain Kaumbo. The victims were physically
beaten up.

AFP soldiers burned civilian houses in Nimao and Andavit, Datu Piang.
More or less, 100 houses were burned down by the government soldiers.

October 18, 2008

Patrolling AFP troops supported by tank was ambushed at Barangay

Katibpuan, Guindlungan. Four (4) government soldiers were killed in action.

AFP troops under 40th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army raided at around
12:15am the residence of Suleik family at Nalapaan, Pikit, Cotabato. Mr. Rahman
Suleik and his son Taurin Suleik were arrested without the necessary warrant by
the raiding government soldiers.

October 21, 2008

Mr Ismail Adam, a civilian and resident of Dapiawan, Datu Saudi

Ampatuan was arrested by the government soldiers. He was later on found dead
in the area. And when his family sought permission from the government soldiers
to recover his cadaver, the government soldiers did not allow the family.

At around 8:47am, patrolling soldiers of the 54th IB, Philippine Army were
ambushed by the MILF fighters at Barangay Pusao, Datu Saudi ampatuan. Eight
(8) soldiers were killed on the spot and five were wounded. Several firearms were
also taken by the MILF fighters from the dead soldiers.

October 27, 2008

AFP and MILF forces clashed at Barangay Dapiawan and Pamalian, Datu
Saudi Ampatuan from 11am to early morning. Some 28 AFP soldiers were killed
and many others wounded. One was killed and two others were wounded on MILF
side. The AFP fired numerous of rounds mortar shelling and air bombs from OV-
10 bomber plane.

October 30, 2008

Fifty Moro families were prevented by Armed Forces of the Philippines

(AFP) from returning home to their village in Sarangani town after they fled their
homes during a vicious clash between 30 MILF mujahideen and hundreds of
government forces last October 7, 2008. The soldiers did not explain why the

20
 evacuees were disallowed to reoccupy their dwellings in sitio Puago, Barangay
Datu Dani in Kiamba, Sarangani.

October 31, 2008

Heavy fighting erupted at Dapiawan and Tatapan, Datu Saudi Ampatuan

from 9am to 9pm. 24 AFP soldiers were killed. One (1) MILF fighter was killed.

For the month of November

November 2, 2008

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) indiscriminately fired mortars

and artillery towards the areas of Tatapan and Pusao of Datu Saudi Ampatuan and
in Linantangan, Mamasapano, Maguindanao despite the absence of actual ground
encounter with the MILF fighters.

November 4, 2008

Fierce clashes erupted at Mahad Ansar in Tatapan, Datu Saudi Apatuan,

Maguindanao between the forces of the MILF and more than 300 men of the
Philippine Army from 8am to nearly 10am. As a result, more or less 30 AFP men
were killed in action and undetermined number of wounded. The MILF suffered
six men wounded.

November 5, 2008

Relentless indiscriminate mortar and artillery shelling were unleashed by

the AFP from 8pm until past midnight, hitting the areas to include civilian
concentrations in Daladap and Linantangan in Mamasapano These AFP atrocities
were assailed as violations of human rights and international humanitarian laws.

November 7, 2008

MILF forces under 106th Base Command clashed with Philippine Army
troopsat Barangay Upper Bagan around 9pm. Accordingly, the government
soldiers that figured in a firefight with the MILF forces were looking for a missing
unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) believed to be owned by US Armed Forces. Based
on unconfirmed information, anybody who can found the missing UAV will be paid
by sum amount of P100,000.00 by the AFP should they return the UAV.

November 11, 2008

MILF troops harassed the CVOs / CAFGUs / AFP forces at Barangay

Rangeban, Midsayap, Cotabato. No casualty was reported.

November 26, 2008

Three members of the 68th Infantry Battalion of the Armed Forces of the
Philippines (AFP) were killed and several others wounded when a roadside bomb
exploded at a detachment in Sitio Gubat, Kurintem, Datu Odin Sinsuat,
Maguindanao at about 8:30 am. In addition, one military truck was partly
damaged as a result of that explosion.

21
 On the other hand, fresh burning of civilian houses by government forces
took place in barangays Lepok, Giate, Bialong, Tukanalipao, Pusaw, and Giati of
Mamasapano, Maguindanao. Responsible for this act of arson are elements of
64th and 75th Infantry Battalions, Philippine Army.

For the month of December 2008

December 9, 2008

Nine soldiers of AFP were killed and four others were wounded in a clash
with the fighters of the BIAF – MILF. The firefight erupted around 820am at
Barangay Tatapan, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao when patrolling AFP
troops encountered the forces of the 105th Base Command, BIAF – MILF. One
MILF mujahid was martyred and three other were wounded in the ensuing
encounter which lasted around noontime. AFP again unleashed its relentless
artillery firing and air assault against the MILF.

December 12, 2008

Soldiers of the Philippine Army torched to flame more than a dozen of

houses at Barangay Tatapan, Datu Saudi Ampatuan. These burned houses are the
new additions to the thousands of houses already burned down by government
forces since August this year. Countless rounds of indiscriminate mortars using
105mm howitzers were fired by the government military toward barangays
Tatapan and Pamalian in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, and barangays Pikeg and
Malngog in Shariff Aguak, all of Maguindanao. Similar atrocities were carried out
by the AFP troops at Barangay Kitango, Datu Saudi Ampatuan.

December 24, 2008

Clashes erupted between MILF and government forces and MILF fighters at
Barangays Lapok and Tapikan, Shariff Aguak Maguindanao following the AFP
indiscriminate mortar shelling using 105mm howitzers toward the area. Earlier,
MILF fired mortars at AFP detachment at Crossing Salbu, Datu Saudi Ampatuan.
No casualty was reported on both sides.

In Barangay Baliki, Aleosan, heavy firefight flared between the MILF

freedom and government soldiers. Seven (7) AFP soldiers were reported killed
and undetermined number of wounded. One (1) was killed on the side of the
MILF.

December 25, 2008

At around 5pm, the MILF fighters attacked the AFP / CAFGU detachment at
Barangay Sangay, Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat Province. Fierce firefight lasted
until 530pm. No casualty was reported.

22
 MILF fighters and AFP / CAFGU elements also clashed in some areas
situated along the boundaries of the municipalities of Columbio and Datu Paglas
in Sultan Kudarat Province and Maguindanao, respectively.

December 27, 2008

In Barangay Binibiran, Ampatuan, Maguindanao, government soldiers were

seen at around 10pm by civilians allegedly planting suspected improvised
explosive devices (IED) in the area. Having noticed that civilians had witnessed
them, the government soldiers immediately moved out from the area. The
government had been suspected of being behind the several unexploded IED
recently found in many parts of Mindanao, particularly in Maguindanao, North
Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat province, Iligan City, General Santos City and
Zamboanga City.

December 28, 2008

Forces of the MILF ambushed the patrolling paramilitary troops at

Barangay Bagumbayan Tulunan, Cotabato. Three paramilitary elements were
killed on the spot. At one end, the army detachment at Barangay Natividad,
Columbio, Sultan Kudarat Province was attacked by MILF forces. No casualty was
reported.

In Alamada, Cotabato, MILF forces attacked the army and police outpost.
No casualty was reported though.

December 29, 2008

MILF forces and elements of the 27th IB, Philippine Army clashed for more
than three hours at Barangay Datu Danny, Kiamba, Sarnggani Province. The
Philippine Army suffered four fatalities while three were wounded on the side of
the MILF.

For the month of January 2009

January 2, 2009

Forces of the 106th Base Command, BIAF – MILF clashed with the security
forces of the Consunji Logging Company at Lower Tubak, Ampatuan,
Maguindanao. The MILF forces had overrun the three posts of the security forces
identified as Camp Critical, Camp Maliga Lupa and Camp Bayabas.

January 3, 2009

MILF freedom fighters and state forces clashed in Barangays Sangay and
Paril in Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat Province. The fighting started when around
100 Army soldiers and paramilitary forces attacked the MILF forces, which are
mostly local inhabitants of the town and relatives of Datu Makasa Mastura.
Mastura was hacked to death by government armed militias on October 11, 2008.

23
 The government used two M-520 attacked helicopters during the
encounter. Soldiers belonging to the 63rd Reconnaissance Company and
paramilitary CAFGU suffered heavy casualties and were forcibly driven out of their
positions. The MILF suffered one martyr and two slightly wounded.

January 8, 2009

MILF freedom fighters clashed with government troops in upper Pananag,

Maasim, Sarangani. The fighting started at 10:00 am and had lasted late in the
afternoon. Five (5) army soldiers were killed while undetermined others wounded.
The fighting erupted after Army troops belonging to the 73rd infantry battalion
attacked MILF position in upper Pananag, Maasim.

After the fierce fighting, the military unleashed vicious mortar and artillery
shelling until the evening. No one was reported killed or wounded on MILF side.

January 11, 2009

Undetermined number of soldiers under the 46th Infantry Battalion, AFP

was killed in a counter-attack staged MILF fighters Commander Ustaz Wahid
Tundok at Barangay Tatapan, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao. AFP soldiers
backed up with two tanks went inside the positions of the MILF at Tatapan around
8am. MILF forces maneuvered to get close to the aggressive AFP troops. At 10
meters away, the MILF forces opened fire that resulted to the deaths and
wounding of several soldiers. The AFP soldiers were surrounded, subsequently,
and their two tanks were hammered by the rocket propelled grenades (RPGs) of
the MILF freedom fighters. As artillery and mortars were fired by the AFP, soldiers
of the government promptly withdrew from the battle ground. Two MILF fighters
were wounded during the encounter.

January 16, 2009

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) indiscriminately and relentlessly

bombarded contiguous villages in the municipalities of Shariff Aguak,
Mamasapano and Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao from 7am to 4:30pm.
Several rounds of artillery firing and aerial bombardment were unleashed from
two OV-10 bomber planes, two “double-bodied” aircrafts and two helicopter
gunships. This AFP rampage came even without ground encounter or provocation
from the MILF freedom fighters.

No report of casualty as result of this AFP carnage other than big waste of
AFP supply and national coffer.

Meanwhile, clashes also erupted between government forces and MILF

fighters in the interior areas of Ninoy Aquino municipality, Sultan Kudarat
Province. A paramilitary outpost in Barangay Midtungok was totally dismantled.

In lower Barangay Sangay, Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat Province, at least a

dozen of houses belonging to the Bangsamoro people were burned downed by
armed civilians who are directly under the command and supervision of the local
government and local AFP unit under the 64th Infantry Battalion, Philippine
Army.

24
January 24, 2009

Undetermined number of AFP and paramilitary troops under the 38th

Infantry Battalion (IB), Philippine Army, were killed or wounded as they entangled
with MILF forces in a close firefight at upper Barangay Pamadtingan in Esperanza,
Sultan Kudarat Province.

The government forces were conducting combat patrol and pursuit

operations in the mountainous area when the clashes with the MILF forces
erupted at around 11am. Heavy exchanges of gun fire flared up for more than
two hours even as reinforcement for the government aggressive soldiers arrived.

MILF force moved out from the area of encounter after inflicting significant
casualties on the government forces. Company guards of the Consunji & Sons
Company joined the bloody mayhem.

January 26, 2009

Ground fighting raged on between the government and MILF forces in the
embattled Maguindanao and Cotabato towns. Firefight flared up at Barangays
Tapikan 1 and Tapikan 2 in Shariff Aguak Maguindanao between MILF freedom
fighters and combined troops of the Philippine Army and paramilitary from nine
o’clock in the evening to pass midnight on January 26, 2009.
The gun battle erupted as government forces conducted combat patrols in
the adjacent barangays of Shariff Aguak, Datu Unsay and Datu Saudi Amptuan,
all in Maguindanao. Several rounds of 105mm mortars were indiscriminately fired
by the government forces toward suspected MILF positions.

No casualty on both sides. However, the area of fighting was just about
1.5 kilometer away from the evacuation site at Barangay Libutan, Mamasapano
where 20,000 plus internally displaced individuals had been seeking refuge for
several months already.

At one hand, skirmishes also took place at Barangay Dado in Alamada,

Cotabato early morning between MILF forces and government military and
paramilitary. No casualty was reported on both sides.

January 27, 2009

Forces of the MILF clashed with armed CVOs and elements of the 68 th IB,
Philippine Army in Barangay Dado, Alamada, Cotabato. Accordingly, scores of
armed CVOs were wounded during the encounter.

January 29, 2009

AFP troops launched an indiscriminate strafing fires using assorted

firearms and more or less ten rounds of artillery shelling for 15 minutes in
Mamasapano, Maguindanao that had threatened to death the thousands of
internally displaced persons (IDPs) seeking refuge at the vicinity and nixed their
desire to return to their communities of origin.

25
For the month of February 2009

February 1, 2009

Thousands IDPs from Datu Piang in Maguindanao, who had just returned
home couple fled again as indiscriminate firing of 105mm mortars were launched
by the 40th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army. Mortar shelling from the
detachments of the 40IB in Midsayap, Cotabato were deliberately fired
indiscriminately from 9pm to around 1am today, hitting the barangays of Balong,
Muntay, Ambadao and adjacent barangays in Kabuntalan, Maguidanao. These
IDPs went back home following the appeal of the local government officials in
Maguindanao and AFP officials this week. AFP troops even escorted them in going
back to their respective places of communities particularly along the riverside
barangays of Datu Paing which are just across the riverside barangays of
Midsayap, Cotabato.
Earlier, these IDPs were refusing to return home due to unstable security
situation but they braved the situation with the assurance that the government
forces will not be firing or instigating skirmishes in the civilian communities. But
this assurance from the AFP and government was a total lie, deception and
betrayal.

February 5, 2009

Skirmishes blazed up between forces of the MILF and government soldiers

in Barangay Tapikan, Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao. Sporadic gunbattle lasted for
more than an hour, from past five in the afternoon to past seven in the evening.
No casualty on both sides was reported. Several rounds of artillery shelling were
indiscriminately fired by the government soldiers.

February 16, 2009

Patrolling AFP soldiers were waylaid by MILF freedom fighters at Barangay

Nimao in Datu Piang, Maguindanao. Some 40 soldiers were patrolling in the
marshy area, reportedly in pursuit of Commander Rambo of MILF, when the
ambushed took place. Fierce gunbattle ensued for almost 30 minutes. Five
soldiers were killed and several others wounded during the ambush and ensuing
fire fight. Several rounds of artillery and air strikes were fired by the AFP
immediately after the fighting forces had disengaged. No report of casualty on the
side of the MILF freedom fighters.

Meanwhile, AFP troops opened fire in Tapikan, Shariff Aguak,

Maguindanao. These indiscriminately firing by government soldiers were branded
as highly-charged desperate act in sympathy to their fallen comrades in Nimao.

February 17, 2009

MILF guerrilla forces harassed early morning government paramilitary unit

detachment at Barangay Tereng, Alamada, Cotabato. MILF commander reported
that three (3) elements of the government armed militias were killed. No casualty
on the side of the MILF fighters.

26
 February 19, 2009

MILF guerrilla unit went back to Barangay Tereng, Alamada, Cotabato to

attack again the same government paramilitary detachment. Surprisingly, they
were meted by AFP and paramilitary advance troops unit before reaching the
target detachment. Employing non-conventional tactical engagement, the MILF
forces withdrew after brief firefight. No casualty was reported on both sides.

February 23 to 27, 2009

Soldiers of AFP were fired upon at the vicinity of Butilen Bridge in Datu
Piang, Maguindanao wherein two AFP men died instantly and another one
wounded. This incident happened before noon as AFP deployment and
movements were stepping up in contiguous towns along the stretch of Pulangi
River and Ligawasan Marsh, in Maguindanao.
AFP has been deploying troops in the municipalities of Datu Piang,
Guindlungan, Talayan and Kabuntalan in Maguindanao and in Midsayap, Cotabato
Province these days. And as early as pre-dawn, government soldiers started
moving around the contiguous villages in the said areas and traversing portion of
Ligawasan Marsh using several army vehicles and motorized boats.

Government war planes and helicopter gunships flew over Maguindanao

almost whole day from February 23-25. In Datu Piang, public commuters faced
heavily restricted traffic as government armed forces intensify check up points.

Hundreds of AFP troops under the 40th Infantry Battalion held combat
formation in Rangaben, Midsayap. Forces of 69IB were deployed at Barangays
Kapimpilan, Tugal, Narra, Nabalawag, Ulandang and Lomopog all in Midsayap.

In Kabuntalan, government soldiers were holding positions at Barangay

Gambar and adjacent areas. Reports indicated that the military was poised to
cordon the areas being occupied by MILF forces in the aforementioned
municipalities. But the MILF forces slipped out of the area to avoid engaging the
government forces inside their turf and in conventional manner.

Despite all these beefed-up movements, combat patrols and formations,

not a single ground encounter transpired between government and MILF forces.
Early morning, the following day, the government forces went back to their
respective barracks.

For the month of March 2009

March 1, 2009

At around 5pm, two children were killed by a live electric wire put up by
the AFP soldiers across the 46th Infantry Battalion Detachment at Barangay
Macasampen, Guindulungan, Maguindanao. The victims were identified as
Mentato M. Mamalinta, 16 years old, and Mohammad L. Bayan, 15 years old.
Accordingly, the two victims were back-riding on their cow on their way home
when suddenly the cow had stepped on the live electric wire. The riding children
fell on the highly-voltaged live electric wire that killed them.

27
 Muslim civilian residents of Barangay Lomopog, Midsayap were
apprehended, physically hurt and abused by government soldiers belonging to the
40th Infantry Battalion and Scout Rangers, Philippine Army. The victims were
identified as Ebs P. Edza, 25 years old, Norhad Edza, 14 years old, Mohamiden
Datukan, 13 years old, and Mamendo Edza, 12 year old. These civilians were
being forced by the military to admit that they are members of the MILF. They
were illegally arrested at 3:30pm and for nearly an hour they were hog tied and
blind folded while being mauled and physically abused by the government soldiers
due to their insistence that they are civilians and not members of the MILF.

Two soldiers of the Philippine Army deployed at Butilen Bridge in Datu

Piang, Maguindanao were fired at by MILF forces on board motorcycle. The
soldiers died on the spot during this attack that happened noon time while AFP
intense movements were transpiring at Datu Piang, and Datu Saudi. Accordingly,
the AFP were returning to the barracks after the week-long of failed operations
against the group of Commander Umbra Kato in Datu Piang, Kabuntalan,
Guindulunag, Talayan and Talitay, Maguindanao and in Midsayap, Cotabato.

At one hand, pursuing AFP troops backed-up with elements of Civilian

Armed Forces Geographic Unit (CAFGUs) and armed Civilian Volunteers
Organizations clashed in the morning with guerilla forces of the Bangsamoro
Islamic Armed Forces – MILF at barangay Penges, Alamada, Cotabato. No report
of casualty on both sides.

March 2, 2009

AFP bombarded with heavy artillery and mortar shelling suspected areas
occupied by MILF forces in Kabuntalan and Midsayap. No casualty was reported as
result of the heavy bombardment. No ground clash took place with MILF forces.

March 14, 2009

MILF forces attacked the CVOs at Barangay Dulao, Alamada, Cotabato at

around 5:30am. Gun battle blazed up for nearly 30 minutes. Three (3) elements
of the CVOs, one identified as Regor Kanese, were captured by the MILF guerillas.
The three fellows were also released by the MILF forces.

March 19, 2009

The army post at Barangay Dado, Alamada was attacked by MILF forces at
around 7am. Exchanged of gun shots lasted for 40 minutes. It was reported that
an army officer on the side of the government was killed in action. No casualty on
the side of the MILF.

March 26, 2009

AFP composite troops clashed with MILF guerilla forces at Sitio Bulod,
Barangay Malingao, Shariff Aguak Maguindanao around 3:30pm. Firefight flared
up while the AFP troops were conducting combat patrol in the area. Encounter
escalated to nearby Barangay Lapok. AFP suffered two casualties in this

28
 encounter that lasted around 6:30pm. The AFP troops repositioned to Sitio
Mungkas, Barangay Malingaw after the firefight and had spent the night thereat.

March 27, 2009

At around 5am, same government forces started moving in combat

formation at Sitio Mungkas. As they were patrolling, heavy firefight erupted with
MILF guerilla forces. Fierce clashes ensued, even as the MILF fighters reported
the AFP troops were using high powered assault rifles, B90 and 81mm mortars,
tanks, artillery and air support. However, this AFP superiority in strength
succumbed to the MILF fighters’ mastery of terrain and employment of guerilla
tactics. Elements of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographic Units (CAFGUs) served
as auxiliary troops to the AFP enlisted men.

High casualty was inflicted on AFP troops in this fierce encounter. Ground
encounter ceased at around 1pm but the artillery and air strikes by the AFP
continued until 330pm.

MILF reports said more than 10 were killed on the side of the government
forces, and undetermined number of wounded in action. Several firearms were
also captured by the MILF forces such as 4 minimi US rifles, 1 M-14, 4 M-16, and
1 M-60. One simba tank was also destroyed when hit by the rocket propelled
grenade of the MILF. Two were killed on the MILF side.

March 28 -29, 2009

The AFP indiscriminately bombarded with 81mm and 105mm mortars

several interior areas in the municipalities of Shariff Aguak, Mamasapano, Datu
Saudi and Datu Unsay, all of Maguindanao these days despite absence of actual
ground combat.

A civilian was hit by the indiscriminate mortar shelling by the Armed

Forces of the Philippines (AFP) yesterday in Maguindanao. Ansari Sulaiman, 15
years old, was hit on his left arm by shrapnel from the 105mm mortar fired by
the AFP troops. Ansari was brought to evacuation site at Barangay Libutan,
Mamasapano, Maguindanao for first aid medical treatment.

MILF forces on the ground suspected that the AFP mortar shelling was an
offshoot of the fierce clashes between the MILF and AFP troops at barangay
Malingaw and Bialong, Shariff Aguak last March 26 and 27, 2009 that inflicted
heavy casualty on AFP.

In North Cotabato, on the other hand, at around 1pm, the MILF guerillas
attacked the camp 10 of the government troops in Alamada. The government
troops abandoned their post. One (1) US M-14 rifle was captured by the MILF
fighters.

For the month of April 2009

29
April 4, 2009

At around 8pm to midnight, AFP fired indiscriminately their artillery assets

from their detachments at Barangay Crossing Salbu, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, and
Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao. Areas heavily hit by artillery bombardment were
civilian communities at Barangays Tina and Pamalian in Mamasapano, and
Barangays Lapok and Malingaw in Shariff Aguak Maguindanao. No casualty was
inflicted though.

April 7, 2009

A certain civilian identified as Bhen Alalayan was reportedly arrested by

plain cloth operatives of 40th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army in the afternoon
this day at Barangay Baliki, Midsayap, Cotabato Province. Mr. Alalayan was later
on found dead at remote area in Baliki. The victim was a fish vendor residing at
Barangay Nabalawag, Midsayap.

April 16, 2009

AFP started deploying big troops in the municipalities of Shariff Aguak,

Mamasapano, Rajah Buayan, Datu Piang, Datu Saudi, Datu Unsay, Guindulungan,
Datu Anggal, Talitay, and Talayan, all in the province of Maguindanao, an
indication of impending intensified operations against the MILF forces and
Bangsamoro civilians as well. Based on field reports, the AFP had deployed more
than 2000 soldiers in the in the said areas and in the adjacent municipalities in
North Cotabato particularly Midsayap and Pikit. Eight (8) infantry battalions were
being mobilized for these operations. More than 30 military vehicles and 20
armored vehicles and tanks had been used for the AFP campaign, which was
accordingly dubbed as “OPLAN NO MANS LAND: SEARCH AND DESTROY.”

April 18, 2009

AFP indiscriminate air and artillery strikes, done almost round the clock,
were launched that hit several barangays and civilian communities in the
municipalities of Shariff Aguak, Mamasapano, Rajah Buayan, Datu Piang, Datu
Saudi, Datu Unsay, Guindulungan, Datu Anggal, Talitay, and Talayan in the
province of Maguindanao, as well as riverside villages in the municipality of
Midsayap, Cotabato. Unidentified civilians were reportedly killed and wounded by
these indiscriminate air and artillery bombardments by the AFP.

In the evening, at around 10 o’clock, a brief firefight flared up between the

freedom fighters of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces – Moro Islamic
Liberation Front (BIAF – MILF) and aggressive forces of the Armed Forces of the
Philippines (AFP) at Barangay Pansol, Guindulungan, Maguindanao. Heavily armed
MILF guerillas sneaked a surprise attack on the army detachment while AFP
troops were relentlessly unleashing artillery bombardments. No report of casualty
on both sides.

30
April 19, 2009

AFP troops raided the government – MILF Joint Ceasefire Monitoring Post
(JCMP) and several civilian residences in Barangay Kitango, Datu Saudi
Ampatuan, Maguindanao. Household belongings were taken away by the raiding
government soldiers. JCMP – Kitango was established in 2004 by the government
and MILF ceasefire committees as local ceasefire mechanism being manned by
both elements of AFP and MILF. According to ceasefire agreement, all ceasefire
mechanisms and personnel must not be harmed, restrained, raided and must be
accorded with safety and security guarantee by both government and MILF.

Meanwhile, the relentless artillery shelling by the AFP went on in the

evening hitting several villages and marshy areas in Datu Saudi, Mamasapano,
Shariff Aguak, Guindulungan, all of Maguindanao.

April 20, 2009

Civilians began complaining about government soldiers abuses three days

after the apparent intensified indiscriminate AFP operations. AFP was being
accused of pursuing cruel, abusive and excessive operations that severely
affected the civilians and their communities. Indiscriminate artillery strikes were
launched by the AFP whole day round since April 18. Consequently, evacuees who
had just returned to their communities were again displaced. Worst, even those
individuals, particularly in barangays Dasawao and Reina Regente, Datu Piang;
and Penditen, Inaladan, Bagombong and Dalada in Mamasapano, who had yet to
evacuate since the start of military operations against MILF in August were forced
to evacuate to safer grounds.

Complaints cited that before the military moves into an area,

indiscriminate artillery strikes and even aerial bombardment were being
conducted first. Unfortunately, civilians are the ones being affected by such
modus operandi. Military occupation of Ganta Elementary School in Datu Piang
and several civilian houses were also among the complaints but no actions were
taken by the government in response to civilian complaints.

April 21, 2009

Three innocent civilians were illegally arrested by the AFP troops. Benny
Lagilay, civilian, was arrested by elements of 69th Infantry Battalion at around
1030am at Barangay Tuka, Mamasapano. Accordingly, Benny was rushing up
saving their household valuables, which he hardly earned during his overseas
employment, when arrested by the government military. Similarly, Mamaged
Alabat and Kamaro Abedin were the other victims of arbitrary arrests by
government soldiers that took place at barangay Ganta Datu Piang, Maguindanao.
Artillery strikes were also fired intermittently and in any directions by the AFP
during the day and night time.

April 22, 2009

A girl identified as Rohana Haron was wounded by the indiscriminate

mortar shelling an old man also died of cardiac arrest due to the mortar shelling,
both cases in Datu Piang, Maguindanao.

31
 “Pakalat sa ginawa samaya ka kinukok samaya i mga civilians a
Moro anya sabap sa kina pamasuka na sundalo anya sa dala den tuldo
nin” (We feel totally rebellious seeing the Moro civilians under siege and living in
an atmosphere of fear and terror due to the indiscriminate and relentless mortar
shelling by the government soldiers ). This was how the civilians were describing
their deplorable situations in the embattled municipalities of Maguindanao due to
the carnage of the AFP operations.

April 25, 2009

Patrolling government troops fell off the river at Sitio Pupol, Kabalukan,
Datu Piang, Maguindanao at around 10am as the wooden bridge they were
walking through broke down. Witnesses said more than 10 soldiers with their
firearms fell into the river and had not been found since. The soldiers were
conducting combat patrol against MILF forces when they meted this tragic and
fatal incident.

Relatedly, the heavy indiscriminate firing of artillery by the AFP towards

several areas in the municipalities of Mamasapano, Shariff Aguak, Datu Piang,
Rajah Buayan, Datu Saudi, Guindulunag and Talayan, all of Maguindanao
continued.

April 26, 2009

MILF guerilla forces attacked the positions of AFP / paramilitary troops and
armed civilians at Barangay Tereng – Tereng, Alamada, Cotabato from 10:10am
to 12:30pm. MILF troops reported that their snipers inflicted 7 dead and 4
wounded on the government forces. No casualty on the side of the MILF forces.

April 27, 2009

BIAF - MILF and AFP troops clashed at Barangay Paradise in Alamada,

Cotabato at 1pm. Exchange of fire took place for almost 30 minutes. Heavily
armed MILF mujahideen guerillas stormed the army detachment using mortars
and rocket propelled grenades. AFP troops retaliated with their mortar fires. No
report of casualties on both sides.

In Maguindanao province, the indiscriminate artillery strikes of AFP against

suspected MILF positions and civilians’ concentrations poured in the whole day
and night. Areas heavily pounded were barangays in Datu Piang, Datu Saudi,
Mamasapano, Shariff Aguak, Rajah Buayan and Guindulungan.

Unfortunately, Kamid Afdal, 54 years old, and his son Jainon Kamid, nine
years old, were hit by the indiscriminate mortar shelling of AFP at Barangay
Pikeg, Shariff Aguak. The father died on the spot while his son was severely
wounded and was brought to Cotabato Medical and Regional Hospital.

Furthermore, four (4) innocent Muslim civilians were reportedly found

dead in a village in Lapok, Shariff Aguak with their heads beheaded and bodies
mutilated, apparently remnants of gun shots and lacerations using bladed
weapons. AFP troops perpetrated this inhuman act. But this incident could hardly
be verified due to AFP denial of access to media and humanitarian as well as
international groups to the area. On this day also, in one village in Datu Piang
said to be Damabalas, AFP troops were reported to have slaughtered a dog, which
they roasted and ate near a Mosque, the heart of religious symbol in Islam. This

32
 act of religious blasphemy and cultural insensitivity is condemnable in its
strongest terms.

April 28, 2009

MILF snipers sneaked an attack on government forces at Tereng-Tereng,

Alamada from 9am to 10am. Three (3) forces on the side of the government were
reportedly hit by the snipers attack.

In Maguindanao, the indiscriminate air and artillery strikes of the AFP

employing OV-10 bomber planes and 105mm / 155mm howitzers reportedly hit
some Philippine Army elements and innocent civilians. These government soldiers
hit by shrapnel from the aerial bombings and artillery strikes of their comrades
were at Barangay Barrio Muslim, Guindulungan and Barangay Nimao, Datu Piang
conducting clearing operations. IDPs concentration areas in Datu Unsay, Datu
Saudi, Shariff Aguak, Mamasapano, Rajah Buayan, Datu Piang, Guindulungan and
Talayan felt the brunt of the air and artillery strikes by the AFP.

Dozens of houses owned by civilians were burned by AFP troops in several

villages in Shariff Aguak, Mamasapano and Datu Saudi, all in Maguindanao.

At 7:15pm the artillery attacks by the AFP from its outpost at Datu
Gumbay, Datu Piang, backfired which instantly killed 18 AFP troops and wounded
several others. One military vehicle was also destroyed.

For the month of May 2009

May 2, 2009

AFP abusive forces under the 64th and 75th Infantry Battalions went amok
and burned down more civilian houses and indiscriminately fired artilleries in
Maguindanao embattled communities. Dozens of houses owned by poor Muslim
civilians in Barangay Patulang, Talayan, and Barangays Nunangan, Tugal, Barrio
Muslim, Damablak, Katibpuan, and Linamunan of Datu Anggal Midtimbang
Municipality, Maguindao were razed to the ground by AFP forces. Similarly,
undetermined number of houses Barangays Dagaring, Butalo, Tee and Andavit,
Datu Piang owned by Muslim civilians were also torched to flame by AFP troops.
These deliberate acts of burning of houses started around 1pm immediately after
the AFP fired its artilleries from 6am to 12noon indiscriminately.

May 3, 2009

AFP indiscriminate artillery strikes launched from detachments at

Barangay Matalam, Talayan and Crossing Salbu, Datu Saudi from 6pm to 10pm
hit civilian communities populated by Muslim at Barangays Ahan, Muti,
Macasampen and Balas in Guindulungan. Civilians from the said areas and
adjacent villages flee to safer grounds due to the sudden indiscriminate artillery
shelling by the government forces.

Burning of civilian houses by the AFP continued. Some 100 houses owned
by Muslim civilians in Barangay Muti, Guindulungan and Baranagy Nunangen in
Talayan were burned down by AFP troops.

33
 AFP started imposing food blockade this day. Accordingly, the International
Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and United Nation World Food Programme
(UNWFP) supposed food distribution for the IDPs today was barred by AFP troops,
even as they told the ICRC and the UNWFPS that an order from higher
headquarters was given that no media or any group be allowed access to
evacuation centers and in other areas of civilian and IDPs concentrations for the
purpose of delivering goods and services.

MILF – Government forces clash at Pinol Banana Plantation

MILF forces attacked the AFP – paramilitary troops and armed civilians
securing the banana plantation of Cotabato Vice Governor Emmanuel Piňol at
Barangay Kanibong, Tulunan.

Undetermined number of soldiers and paramilitary forces were killed in

action. Farming equipment were also damaged. Piňol, who figured prominently in
the petition before the Supreme Court to block the signing of the Memorandum of
Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) on August 5, 2008 in Malaysia, has
been into long years of land conflict with local and native MILF forces over huge
amount of land areas that is being covered by the Pinol banana plantation. Local
MILF forces and their families and relatives had been claiming ownerships of land
being covered by the plantation. Pinol families had illegally grabbed their land
according to MILF forces. The Pinol banana plantation is more than 1000 hectares
which is in violation of existing and effective government policy and regulations
on land use for plantation. Pinol opposed to death the signing of the GRP-MILF
MOA-AD for fear of being guilty of illegal grabbing of lands own by Muslim
natives. AFP ground reinforcements and air support came for the government
forces securing the controversial Pinol plantation.

May 5, 2009

Heavily armed freedom fighters of the BIAF-MILF staged a guerilla attack

at 10pm against the detachment of the 46th Infantry Battalion (IB), Philippine
Army at Barangay Matalam, Talayan, Maguindanao. Rocket propelled grenades
and high powered assault firearms were simultaneously fired by MILF fighters.
Heavy damages and casualties were inflicted to the government soldiers. The
government soldiers were caught off-guarded when the MILF forces attacked
them. The military had rarely fired back. The attack lasted less than an hour. No
casualty was reported on the side of MILF.

Artilleries were indiscriminately fired by AFP towards suspected MILF

positions and civilian communities in several towns in Maguindanao until late
evening.

May 6, 2009

Hundreds of AFP troops under 46IB, 64IB, 75IB and 69IB moved around
several barangays of Talitay, Maguindanao starting 6:30am. Prior to the coming in
of these AFP troops, areas near marshy portion of Talitay and Talayan were
bombarded by artillery shelling by AFP troops. At around 7am, the AFP troops
began raiding civilian houses without observing due process. In the evening,
indiscriminate artillery shelling were launched by AFP toward suspected MILF
positions in Maguindanao embattled towns.

May 7, 2009

34
 AFP soldiers arrested three innocent civilians at Barangay Dapiawan, Datu
Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao. Victims of these another illegal arrests by AFP
were identified as Satar Tasil, 20 years old, Sapalodin Sanaot, 29 years old, and
Lao Kinod, 30 years old. These innocent victims are evacuees in Pagatin
makeshifts and were waiting for the United Nations World Food Program (UNWFP)
and International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) when arrested by the AFP
troops. UNWFP and ICRC were scheduled this day to distribute food assistance for
the IDPs.

However, ICRC and UNWFP along with UN Development Program (UNDP) –

Act for Peace, UNICEF, International Organization for Migration (IOM) were
stopped at a military detachment in Barangay Macasampen, Guindulungan,
Maguindanao and were not allowed by the government soldiers to go to IDPs
sites. Reports cited that the military men told the UN humanitarian mission
officials that an order from high headquarters was given, saying no single
international and humanitarian groups and media will be allowed to go inside area
of operations and evacuation sites therein for whatever purposes. This was a
manifestation of AFP food blockade and denial of unhampered civilian protection
and relief assistance from humanitarian groups in times of armed conflict. In the
evening, AFP indiscriminate mortar shelling continued.

May 8, 2009

The corpse of the three civilians (Satar Tasil, 20 years old, Sapalodin
Sanaot, 29 years old, and Lao Kinod, 30 years old) who were earlier arrested by
elements of 69th IB, Phillipine Army at Dapiawan, Datu Saudi Amptuan were found
at barangay Ambadao, Datu Piang. Families sought the assistance of local officials
in order to retrieve the dead bodies which allegedly were severed due to several
wounds and lacerations. But again the 69th IB did not allow the families together
and local officials to pass through and retrieve the cadaver.

May 9, 2009

Artillery bombardment from the AFP detachments at Barangay Matalam,

Talayan, and from Crossing Salvo, Datu Saudi hit several civilian villages and
suspected MILF positions in Guindulungan, Datu Saudi and riverside barangays of
Datu Piang, Maguindanao.

May 11, 2009

Several civilian drivers of motorcycles were apprehended by AFP troops at

Barangay Pagatin, Datu Saudi Ampatuan. Their hairs were shaved off against
their will by the government soldiers and, after which, the crucifix insignia were
printed by the AFP troops on their heads as if they were being force baptized with
another religion.

Several evacuees’ tents were dismantled by AFP troops at Pagatin, Datu

Saudi Ampataun, Maguindanao, leaving the IDPs no place to stay, especially
during the long hours of dark night.

May 12, 2009

Civilian residences were raided by the troops of AFP at Barangay Salvo and
Tatapan in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao. Owners of the houses
condemned the raids by the government military as deplorable, even cited as

35
illegal being conducted without adherence to due process. There were no search
warrants presented by the AFP troops. Even houses of government officials and
employees were also raided by the militaries. Civilians even showed to the
government soldiers some information and educational materials / kits that
spelled out the preponderance of respecting international humanitarian laws,
human rights and protection of civilians during times of armed conflict but had
not made dent at all.

Three AFP roving speed boats were fired upon by MILF forces at Barangay
Butilen, Datu Piang, Maguindanao. No casualties on the AFP were reported.

Meanwhile, four (4) AFP troops and two (2) paramilitary elements were
killed and some others were wounded in a clash with the MILF freedom fighters at
Barangay Paradise in Banisilan, Cotabato Province yesterday. Firefight transpired
around 1am and lasted for about 30 minutes as the MILF fighters withdrew to
safety after inflicting casualties to the government forces.

May 13, 2009

Patrolling AFP troops were ambushed by MILF freedom fighters at around

11am at Sambulawan, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao. Fierce gun battle
ensued that lasted for almost an hour in the area approximately a kilometer away
from refugee concentrations and camps. MILF fighters inflicted undetermined
number of casualties on the AFP troops. No casualty on the side of the MILF.

The engagement area was heavily bombarded by AFP using various

artillery assets and four (4) war planes, including OV-10 Bomber planes. Artillery
assaults lasted until evening while the aerial bombardment stopped around 2pm.
Barangays Sambulawan, Dagading, Tee, Andavit and Gawang in Datu Saudi and
Datu Piang, Maguindanao were immensely hit by the AFP air and artillery strikes.

Thousands of refugees in the area who had been displaced from their
residences and evacuation centers oft repeatedly had again panic and rushed to
safer grounds to avoid being hit by stray bullets and artillery and aerial bombings.

In another incident, a patrolling M35 military vehicle fully boarded by

elements of 69th Infantry Battalion was pinned down by MILF guerillas brandishing
high-powered firearms at around 2pm at Barangay Damablak, Talayan,
Maguindanao resulting to several government soldiers killed on the spot. Fierce
gun battle erupted for almost 30 minutes. The AFP fired several rounds of artillery
strikes to save their forces from being all killed during the encounter. MILF
commander reported that dead bodies of government soldiers were by their
comrades unrecovered at the scene of encounter.

In the evening, AFP troops entered Barangay Saniag, Ampatuan,

Maguindanao to put up advance look out and blocking forces against possible
MILF guerilla movements.

May 14, 2009

Troops of the 75th IB held positions at Barangay Saniag, Ampatuan,

Maguindanao. At one hand, AFP troops using several military trucks and armored
vehicles went inside interior and marshy areas in Talitay, Maguindanao. Helicopter
gunships, reconnaissance and war planes flew over the embattled areas of
Maguindanao.

36
 Starting early evening, AFP unleashed heavy bombardment to several
villages in Datu Piang, Datu Saudi, Talitay, Talayan, Guindulungan and Datu
Anggal using artilleries and mortars. These artillery attacks were conducted
immediately after the IDPs received food assistance from the ICRC.

Undeniably, the government is feeding bombs and bullets instead of food,

basic services and hopes to the aggrieved Bangsamoro peoples.

May 15, 2009

MILF freedom fighters stage an early dawn attack at AFP / paramilitary /

CVO positions at Barangay Basak, Lebak, Sultan Kudarat Province resulting to the
death on one (1) CVO element. As the fighting rage on, civilians, mostly Christian
settlers, evacuated to safer grounds. The MILF fighters maneuvered to elude the
evacuating civilians from being caught in the middle of the fighting forces.
Firefight lasted for about 30 minutes. No casualty was inflicted on MILF.

At one hand, elements of the 54th IB together with some CVOs conducting
clearing operations and combat patrol were fired upon by MILF guerillas at 5pm.
Accordingly, four (4) government forces were killed on the spot.

May 18, 2009

Endemic incidents of illegal arrests and atrocities continue being

committed by AFP against civilian communities continue with recent victims of
illegal arrests against innocent Muslim civilians identified as Nasruddin Guiamalon,
Talekop Guiamalon and Tong Baman. They were arrested by elements of 40th IB,
Philippine Army at very early morning at their community in Barangay Nabalawag
in Midsayap, Cotabato without warrant of arrest. The victims were brought and
detained at the command post of 40th IB in Midsayap. No formal charges were
filed against the three persons.

May 20, 2009

Troops of the 54th IB, Philippine Army fired their weapons indiscriminately
to any directions which affected the civilian communities and the thousands of
evacuees seeking refuge at the school-turned evacuation center beside their
detachment at Datu Gumbay, Datu Piang, Maguindanao. The government soldiers
said their detachment was harassed by MILF troops at 8pm which was denied by
MILF adding that it was only made to justify their indiscriminate firing. Artilleries
were also fired indiscriminately until late night that created anxiety to civilians.

May 21, 2009

MILF and government forces figured in a brief firefight at Barangay

Kablacan, Maasim, Saranggani Province. A platoon size army under 73rd Infantry
Battalion, Philippine Army moved, at around 11am, toward the first perimeter
defense line of Camp Khalid Bin Walid of the 107th Base Command of BIAF - MILF
forces at Sitio Gansidan, Kablacan that triggered the firefight. Skirmishes flared
up for almost 30 minutes. One wounded in action was inflicted on MILF fighters
while undetermined number of casualties on the side of the AFP troops. These
disposition and movements of government forces again clearly manifested that
AFP is indeed targeting the entire forces of the MILF and not just the three base
commands of the BIAF –MILF as being publicly pronounced by the government.

37
May 22, 2009

Starting 8pm to late night, AFP bombarded with artillery and mortars
several villages in Datu Piang, Datu Saudi, Talitay, Talayan, Guindulungan and
Midsayap. How can we then expect the evacuees to go back home with the
continued carnage by the AFP. Who cares if they die anyway? Can interventions
from any entity that only come after hundreds of people had die already make
the difference? These are some of the perennial questions being asked by the
displaced persons.

May 24, 2009

Scores of casualties were inflicted on government forces in separate

attacks staged by the freedom fighters of BIAF – MILF at Barangay Teren-Teren in
Alamada, Cotabato at 12:15pm. Firefight ensued and lasted around
1:30pm.While gun battles were blazing up, MILF snipers unleashed sharp shots
that reportedly hit four (4) AFP troops. No casualty was reported on the side of
MILF fighters.

At one hand, troops of the 54th IB were assaulted by MILF guerillas at Datu
Gumbay in Piang, Maguindanao at around 7:30pm. Fierce firefight took place for
almost 30 minutes. MILF commander involved in the firefight said his troops
targeted using high powered firearms and rocket propelled grenades (RPGs) the
artillery assets of the AFP mounted at the 54th IB Detachment. “We aimed to hit
the 105mm howitzers and their ammunitions so that we can destroy these
artilleries being used by the AFP in its indiscriminate artillery attacks against our
troops and innocent civilians.”

At around 10 o’clock in the evening, MILF guerillas attacked the Army /

Paramilitary detachment at Sitio Manggahan, Dungguan, Aleosan, Cotabato
Province. MILF field reports cited one government troop was wounded in the MILF
guerilla attack.

May 27, 2009

In Barangay Litengan, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao, several houses

owned by Muslim civilians were burned down by elements of the 46th IB,
Philippine Army at around 11am. The burning of houses was perpetrated as more
AFP troops were deployed at Baranagy Benolen and Blit in the same municipality.
These incidents prompted folks in the area to expressed deep worry of another
spate of burning of houses to be perpetrated by AFP in Datu Odin Sinsuat, citing
the pattern of AFP burning of houses from Shraiff Aguak, Mamasapano, Datu
Piang, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Datu Unsay Ampatuan, Guindulungan, Talitay, Datu
Anggal, Talayan and now Datu Odin Sinsuat, all of Maguindanao.

May 28, 2009

Firefight erupted as patrolling troops of the 54th IB supported by
paramilitary and armed civilians entangled with the freedom fighters of the Moro
Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) at Barangay Pinguiman, Datu Piang, Maguindanao
at 5pm. Barangay Pinguiman is an adjacent village of Reina Regente where
almost a dozen of houses owned by relatives of MILF fighters were burned
downed by AFP troops two days ago.
Rains were heavily out pouring when the two warring forces collided in
fierce gun battle for almost an hour. Artilleries and mortars were fired
indiscriminately and to any directions by the government forces as fighting were
blazing up and even more after the clashes. Scores of government soldiers and

38
 armed civilians were killed, which until late evening were yet to be retrieved from
the clash scene. Lamentably, innocent civilians residing beside Mahad Dulawan in
Datu Piang were hit in the crossfire and wounded by shrapnel from the AFP
indiscriminate mortar shelling.

Meanwhile, at around 9pm, MILF forces brandished high-powered firearms

and 81mm mortars in harassing the army detachment at barangay Matalam,
Talayan, Maguindanao. Casualties were not known though.

May 31, 2009

Government and MILF forces were locked in fierce clashes at Barangay

Pega from 10pm of May 31 to 2am of June 1, 2009. AFP composite troops were
moving toward the perimeters of Camp Omar under 104th Base Command of the
Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces – MILF when ferocious exchanged of gun fires
flared up.

Government troops suffered big casualties as they were held in

disadvantage position and terrain during the almost four hours of gun battle,
reported MILF commander, adding that the AFP troops were roaring in immense
fear during the encounter. MILF had no casualty, he said.

For the month of June 2009

June 1, 2009

Two civilian communities in the municipality of Talayan, Maguindanao were

heavily bombarded by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), scores of civilian
houses were also razed to ground yesterday. AFP used OV-10 bomber planes,
helicopter gunships and artilleries in bombarding barangays Pukol and Pega in
Talayan starting 8am until afternoon. Several bombs were unleashed from the
AFP air and artillery assets but had not inflicted any casualty to MILF freedom
fighters and civilians.

Immediately after the air strikes, AFP ground troops moved into Barangay
Pukol but no actual ground firefight took place. MILF forces were quick to evade
the AFP air and artillery attacks and ground troops to dictate the engagement
with government forces.

However, undetermined some civilian houses at Pukol were burned down

by AFP troop before they moved out of the area early night using both military
and private vehicles. MILF troops speculated that the option to use private
vehicles for the operation of the AFP was to avoid being ambushed because it is
not of rare possibility that these private vehicles are owned by relatives of MILF
men.

June 3, 2009

Five Army soldiers including an officer were killed and several others
wounded when a bomb exploded at roadside while the government soldiers were
on foot patrol around 7am at Barangay Maitumaig, Datu Unsay, Maguindanao.

Killed were identified as 2Lt. Ricky Organista, Pfc. Christopher Jimino,

Private Ryan Cubilanis, Private Martin Mangantang, and Pfc. Nathaniel Nasiluan,
all of the 64th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army while those wounded including

39
a woman girlfriend of one of the soldiers are still unidentified. The military is
accusing the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) freedom fighters (mujahideen)
for using landmines.

Meanwhile, at around 7:30am, Kadtog Sapalon was walking down from

Barangay Sifaran, Satu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao with his three children when
apprehended by unidentified elements 37th IB and Scout Rangers, Philippine
Army. While he was under illegal detention in the hands of the government
soldiers with his children, he was being mauled and physically beaten up by the
government soldiers using rifle butts and later on shot to death the government
forces in of his three children. The innocent civilian Sapalon meted this fate just
because he was going to a school that day to enroll his three children.

June 4, 2009

The AFP suffered high casualties during fierce gun battle with the freedom
fighters of BIAF – MILF at Baranagy Muti, Guindulungan, Maguindanao. MILF field
reports cited 20 plus AFP troops were killed and wounded in action. Troops
engaged in the clashes belong to the 46th Infantry Battalion (IB), 64th IB and
75th IB of the Philippine Army, AFP and from 104th, 105th and 106th Base
Commands on the side of BIAF – MILF.

Firefight flared up around 12 noon. But artillery and air strikes by the AFP
using two fighter planes, two OV – 10 bomber planes and two attack helicopters
started as early as 10am. Heavy exchange of gun fire blazed up from 2pm to
4:30pm. AFP forces were drive out of the area of engagement by the MILF
fighters. Civilians were evacuating while the war planes and cannons were being
fired indiscriminately by the AFP. Five MILF freedom fighters were slightly
wounded in the encounter.

The embattled areas are approximately 3 kilometers away from the

national highway along municipality of Talayan, Maguindanao.

Government military detachments situated along this highway stretch

relentlessly fired mortars and artillery, hitting even civilian communities in
Barangays Muti, Ahan, Tidtib, Pega, Linyab and Pukol in Guindulungan and
Talayan towns in Maguindanao Province.

June 5, 2009

AFP troops in big battle formation on board several vehicles and escorted
by several armored vehicle and tanks went inside Barangay Muti around 8am to
pursue the MILF fighters they encountered at the area yesterday. Suddenly a big
bomb explosion at the roadside hit one of the military vehicle and a tank. The
explosion destroyed one military truck and a tank and killed and wounded scores
of government soldiers. Immediately ambulances rushed into the area to
extricate the fallen soldiers. Immediately the ambulances being escorted military
vehicles went out of the scene of incident. Unfortunately, the military escorts on
board the led vehicle of the convoy, that included the ambulances, opened fire
with their assault weapons aimed toward the sky while they were passing through
the national highway situated along the stretch of Poblacion in Datu Odin
Municipality, Maguindanao. Civilians thought that the clashes were already
happening along the national road. Only to realize later that such unusual and
alarming actuation by the AFP troops was because they were rushing their fallen

40
comrades to the nearest medical center and had used their firearms in clearing
the national highway from people and commuters.

At around 10am, a mosque in Barangay Muti, Guindulungan, Maguindanao

was destroyed hit by an AFP indiscriminate airstrike utilizing bomber and fighters
planes, and helicopter gunships. Reports gathered from displaced civilians from
the area said the Mosque was hit by the prohibited 200lbs international bomb.
Mosque is the center of worships and unity in faith of all the Muslims the world
over. Attacked on the Mosque in Muti was an offensive against all Muslims. The
Friday congregational prayer was not performed Muslim residents in several
contiguous villages within the area of AFP ferocious air and artillery assault. In the
afternoon, around 4:30pm, firefight between MILF and AFP troops again erupted
following a ground operation being undertaken by AFP troops. Apparently, this
AFP attack that also used artillery firing was primordially intended to drive out the
MILF forces away from the area in Muti, where undetermined number of killed,
wounded and missing in action AFP troops, to include junior officers, were left
behind. No casualty was reported on this firefight.

June 7, 2009

MILF forces who figured in fierce firefight with AFP troops reported to have
recovered scores of high powered firearms from the fallen soldiers. According to
their report made after they conducted search and clearing patrols in the areas of
clashes the past couple of days, they saw dozens of dead government soldiers
inflicted during the firefight. They also expressed their willingness to cooperate
with the GRP – MILF ceasefire mechanisms for the extrication of the dead
soldiers.

June 8, 2009

Government soldiers died after allegedly drinking poisoned water from a

creek in Barnagay Ahan, Guindlungan, Maguindanao. Citing intelligence report,
AFP accused the MILF forces of putting poisonous chemical to the creek. MILF
dismissed such accusation saying that MILF is not resorting to biological warfare
such as poisoning bodies of water for it is against its policy and principles of
Islam. MILF even warned its forces and civilian populace of unverified information
citing AFP troops had intentionally left behind food stuffs such as candies and
finger foods in areas that they suspected being frequented by MILF guerilla
fighters.

June 9, 2009

Three Army soldiers were killed and several others wounded when a
remote command-detonated improvised explosive device exploded at Muti,
Guindulunagn, Maguindanao. A convoy of military trucks and other vehicles were
passing by when the roadside bomb exploded. The military accused the MILF as
behind the blast, which the latter has not denied categorically. According to the
MILF General Staff, BIAF is not restrained to use landmines that are not victim-
initiated pursuant MILF Deed of Commitments with both the Geneva Call and the
Philippine Campaign to Ban Landmines. If AFP is using all the firepower in its
arsenal including powerful bombs then MILF is much less restrained from using a
less powerful weapon.

June 12, 2009

41
 Beginning early morning until noontime, AFP pounded with relentless
artillery and air strikes suspected areas of MILF gureillas in Barnnagys Muti and
ahan in Gundulungan, Maguindanao. Shortly after noontime, composite forces of
scout rangers and elements of the 46th Infantry Battalion started moving upward
but suddenly ambushed by MILF mujahideen of BIAF - MILF. Reports received
from the field described the ambushed government soldiers in state of immense
fear and shock crying as they were being fired upon by MILF freedom fighters in
Upper Muti, Guindulogan, Maguindanao around 1pm. More than 10 soldiers died
and undetermined number of wounded in action. The mujahideen, who were
positioned on high grounds, followed through, thereby forcing the soldiers to
scamper for safety and finally to withdraw. The soldiers left dead comrades lying
on the battlefield.

The government again fired their artilleries and mortars and air strikes to
help their men being scoured to perdition by the MILF fighters. A one-hour clash
also took place in Barangay Ahan, Guindulungan town around 5:45 p.m.

At nightfall, the Army soldiers returned to retrieve their fallen comrades

and again fighting erupted. Scores of AFP soldiers were reportedly killed and
wounded in action. One tank was heavily damaged by rocket fire from the
mujahideen. The MILF also captured several high-powered firearms during the
two encounters.

June 14, 2009

The indiscriminate artillery shelling by the Armed Forces of the Philippines

(AFP) fell into civilian concentrations and evacuation camp at Barangay Libutan,
Mamasapano, Maguindanao around 11pm.

The victims were already identified as Sapia Zainal, 10 years old student,
Zaid Abas, 20 years old student, and Bayan Tunadzi, 23 years old father. Other
victims were still unidentified. Victims had sustained severe wounds in different
part of their bodies, field report said. Sapia and Bayan were brought to Cotabato
Regional Medical Center in Cotabato City for medical treatment. Meanwhile, Zaid
was yet to be brought to nearest medical center or hospital because accordingly
his poor family cannot afford it and that the wounds were just minor. Families of
victims appealed for justice and sought help from the International Committee of
the Red Cross (ICRC) for the hospitalization needs.

Deliberate indiscriminate artillery and mortar shelling were also fired by

the AFP towards adjacent barangay Linantangan and Tukanalipao. The artillery
strikes that hit the victims were those that fell near Mahad Libutan, a school
turned evacuations center, in Barangay Libutan, Mamasapano, Maguindanao.

June 16, 2009

Brief but ferocious gun battles flared between freedom fighters - BIAF and
troops of AFP around 1150pm following guerilla assault by MILF fighters to the
positions being held by the 54th Infantry Battalion (IB), Philippine Army, at
Barangay Nabalawag, Datu Saudi Ampatuan and Barangay Nabundas, Shariff
Aguak, Maguindanao. MILF field report stated two AFP soldiers were wounded
during these encounters.

Earlier, at around 730pm, brief firefight between MILF and government

forces took place at Barangays Nimao and Butilen, Datu Saudi Ampatuan and in

42
 Barngay Datu Gumbay, Datu Piang, Maguindanao. No casualty was reported on
both sides during these clashes that lasted place for almost 30 minutes.

Government and AFP atrocities, human rights and ceasefire violations

The Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and it armed forces had
committed the following atrocities, human rights and ceasefire violations and the
aggrieved Bangsamoro people and its citizens since the conduct of indiscriminate
offensives:

• Forcible evacuation and collective punishment

• Arbitrary arrests and detention of innocent civilians

• Torture and physical abuse of innocent civilians, men and women

• Massacre of Muslim families

• Killings of civilians and summary execution

• Destruction of properties, divestment of livelihood and looting

• Indiscriminate firing, artillery and air strikes using international bombs

• Food blockade, denying free access for relief and food assistance for
the IDPs from humanitarian institutions, international and domestic
non-governmental organizations, to include the International
Committee of the Red Cross and United Nations Specialized Agencies

• Establishing military outposts in the middle of civilian communities

• Destroying tents and makeshifts of evacuees, occupying schools and

madrasa (Islamic Schools), desecration of religious symbols and
cultural and religious blasphemy by painting the sign of crucifix on the
heads of innocent Muslim civilians

• Denying free access to media coverage purposely to avoid their abuses

and deliberate commission of human rights violations, violations of
laws of war and Geneva Conventions being publicized by local, national
and international media. Hitherto, put the “black hut” on the MILF

Displacements

The number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) had reached to more

than 600,000 individuals – children, women and aged.

IDPs have been taking shelter in 146 severely conditioned evacuation

centers, in makeshifts along the roads, under the trees and house-based with
their relatives. Thousands of families with their children were forced to move from
one shelter to another to find some food, relief and comfort due the almost
nightly indiscriminate artillery shelling by the government forces.

43
 Children acquired various sickness while inside the deplorable evacuation
centers and had to survive the long period of hot, rainy and cold days and nights.
No one can tell how many sleepless nights these children have had during the
already more than nine months of military offensives by the government. Not
only sickness and mosquitoes had caused these sleepless nights but also by the
loud explosions of relentless mortar firings by the Armed Forces Philippines (AFP).

These huge displacements, loss of homes, dislocations from livelihood, and

insufficiency food inhumanely inflicted against our people had rendered
unspeakable plight, pains and trauma, especially to our children. This is a clear
and prevailing humanitarian tragedy.

Hunger and Diseases

Majority of the displaced families with an average of 4 children left home

with empty pockets. Having displaced from main source of livelihood, the average
daily earning from other sources such as selling agricultural crops and rendering
labor/services is PhP50.00 since August last year.

Irregular food supply from various donors for the evacuees and even made
more difficult due to the food blockade being imposed by the AFP.

No enough water supply and access to water facilities for drinking, bathing
and sanitation as well as no medicines available had caused serious health
problems and diseases.

Common Diseases:

Fever, cough, cold, flu infections, malnourished, malnutrition, dehydration,

diarrhea, skin irritation, allergies, measles, stomach pain / enlargement

Deaths and injuries

Approximately more than a hundred of innocent Muslim civilians had

already died and were injured due to the ongoing AFP operations in the provinces
of Maguindanao, Cotabato, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Saranggani, Sultan
Kudarat, Basilan and Zambonag sibugay. Their unfortunate deaths and injuries
were caused by the indiscriminate ground, air and artillery attacks in the areas
against the MILF and civilian communities, and from sickness and disease
acquired from the very poor-conditioned evacuation centers and makeshifts. At
one hand, there is no confirmed number of casualties on the government forces
and MILF freedom fighters. But based of gathered MILF reports from the field, the
casualties for the government forces, both killed and wounded in action, had
totaled to 644 men while 102 men on the side of the MILF forces which were
mostly wounded.

Damages

44
 The estimated cost of damages to infrastructures, agriculture and
livelihood, mostly situated in the downtrodden Muslim communities could reach to
hundreds of millions in Philippine Pesos, if not billions.

More than 2000 houses were razed to the ground (as of April 2009) in the
provinces of Cotabato, Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat and Saranggani and Basilan
by the AFP. Accordingly, hundreds of houses owned by Muslim civilians were also
burned by AFP troops in Lanao del Sur and Lanao del Norte.

Schools and Madrasah turned - Evacuation Centers

Hereunder are some of the educational institutions converted as refugee camps:

Pikit National High School Kangguan Edsad Uy Central Elementary School

Pikit Central Elementary School
Datu Bitol elementary School
Datu Dalandag elementary School
Punol Elementary School
Macasendeg Elementary School
Ladtingan Elementary School
Batulawan Elementary School
Batulawan Day Care Center
Poblacion Training Center
Takepan Elementary School
Panicupan Elementary School
Madrasah Lagundi
Hillside Training Center
Nalapaan Elementary School
Datu Saudi Uy Ampatuan Memorial Natl High School
Datu Gumbay Piang Elementary School
Datu Piang National High School
Gani L. Abpi Colleges Incorporated
Southern Philippines Academy
Notre Dame of Dulawan
Mahad Libutan
Libutan Elementary School
Libutan High School Annex
Kitango Elementary School
Madrasa Mamasapano
Madrasa Pagatin
Mahad Pagatin
Madrasa Kitango

Note: Last updating and edition June 19, 2009. Needless, this is not all inclusive account of all that
had transpired for the period July 1, 2008 to June 16, 2009.

45