Thousands flee BIFF harassment in Raja Buayan town

COTABATO CITY - At least 3,000 families have fled to safer grounds as fighting between government forces and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters continie in Raja Buayan, Maguindanao. The clash which erupted Sunday night left four BIFF rebels killed and one soldier wounded.Colonel Dickson Hermoso, 6th Infantry Division spokesperson, said about 50 BIFF guerillas attacked the detachment of the 45th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Sapakan, Raja Buayan, Maguindanao.Simultaneously, the BIFF also attacked a post of the Moro Islamic Liberation Frotn (MILF).Raja Buayan Mayor Zamsamin Ampatuan said the local government has extended relief assistance to the displaced families. Some have returned home.Ampatuan aid the BIFF, while publicly saying it is only after the military, the civilians are the most affected.