23 civilians killed in Lanao del Norte, Mindanao on full alert

Miami
August 18, 2008
Story: 23 civilians killed in Lanao del Norte, Mindanao on full alert

The provincial regional offices in Mindanao are now in full alert because of the atrocities occurred in Lanao del Norte.

Based on the initial report by Brigadier General Hilario Atendido, chief of the counter-terrorism unit Task Force Tabak there were already 23 civilians killed because of the attack of the Moro Islamic liberation front (MILF).

But, based on police report they are only reporting 13 casualties because they do not have confirmed and concrete details on 10 others.

Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesman Chief Supt. Nicanor Bartolome said on those 13 casualties, one of them is a policeman named PO1 Dexter Salvacion, who was riding in a motorcycle while patrolling in Barangay Kulasihan, Kolambugan at around 4:30 am, August 18, 2008. The same time as the MILF shot the Bachelor Bus which killed two persons who are still unidentified as of this moment, according to Chief Inspector Jhomairah Estrada, Spokesperson of Region 10 Police regional Office.

The Bachelor Bus came from Zamboanga City and about to go to Cagayan de Oro. The travel time is about 12 hours.

Another motorcycle rider identified as Ricky Sulicar of Guillamacs Marketing also passing through Barangay Kulasihan, Kolambugan at around 4:30 am also was shot dead by MILF.

Meanwhile, in the town of Kauswagan also in Lanao del Norte, there are also reported casualties. According to Bartolome, at around 5:30 am, August 18, 2008 seven farmers were executed and instantly died while 3 others were left wounded.

The MILF attackers also ambushed a multi-cab utility vehicle (KCP-986) also in Kauswaga wherein two occupants of the vehicle, Ricardo Gil and an unidentified woman were killed.

According to Estrada, they are having difficulties in getting the tally and details on the death of other casualties because of the situation now in Lanao del Norte.