Militants free hostages after day-long gun battle
MARAWI: The Philippine military said Islamist militants fled from a primary school in the south yesterday, leaving behind 31 hostages unharmed, including 12 children, after a day-long gun battle with troops.
There was no word on casualties in the incident at Pigkawayan town, which is 190km south of here where fighting between government troops and pro-Islamic State militants has entered its fifth week.
“The enemy made a hasty withdrawal, leaving behind 31 hostages, among them 12 youngsters,” Brigadier General Restituto Padilla said.
He said another 20 civilians, who were trapped in the area because of the crossfire, were also rescued.
Police said about 300 armed men from the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) stormed the school early yesterday. Padilla, however, said later only 50 militants were involved.
Community leaders were called in to help in negotiations to rescue the hostages, Padilla said.
“It’s over, but we’re also on guard because they might carry out other attacks,” said Padilla.
Abu Misry Mama, a BIFF spokesman, said the militants had taken civilians to a safe place, away from any crossfire, and did not intend to hold them hostage.
Asked earlier if they would be freed, Mama said: “Yes. We’re not kidnappers.”
Padilla said the incident was not related to the fighting here.
“This has come from a group that has long committed harassments.” Reuters