Many of the residents of Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao have started fleeing due to the Sunday night grenade attack on the mansion of Maguindanao Gov. Andal Ampatuan Sr. According to Supt. Alex Lenessis, acting Maguindanao police chief, the twin grenades could have been the work of the MILF. The group is possibly getting back at the Ampatuans for their anti-MILF campaign.
Meanwhile, certain Narosdin told reporters that residents of Shariff Aguak have heard of 100 suspected rebels, and many have reported recent sightings.
The MILF however has denied such allegations. Eid Kabalu, MILF civil-military affairs officer said police and military authorities should watch out for Ampatuan militiamen as they are the ones most likely to have comitted the grenade attacks and harrassment of the residents.
Yacub Ampatuan, Mayor of Raja Buayan has also reported sightings of the rebels around the outskirts of Shariff Aguak, taking away the resident’s carabaos and goats. He prays for more soldiers for the protection of the civilians.
Lt. Col. Jonathan Ponce, spokesperson of the military’s 6th Infantry Division, said additional forces would be sent to Shariff Aguak to protect civilians. Another Army battalion is expected to arrive as renforcement to some 2,000 troops already deployed.
