This report aims to provide an understanding of the Mindanao situation to dispel the fear of the people to what some sectors are projecting as a "worsening security situation" brought about by the recent activities of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG). Aside from providing a discussion on the history of the Muslim secessionist movement with appending write-ups on the evolution of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), MILF and the ASG, consideration is given to the government policy and strategy and the on-going peace and order situation in the Southern Philippines.
History of Muslim Secessionist Movement
The Muslim secessionist movement is perceived as an old issue among members of the Filipino Muslim community. Aside from their traditional tendencies to defy any attempt to assimilate them into the Philippine body politics, a small group of Filipino Muslims emerged to voice their desire to secede from the Republic and form their own independent Islamic state.
Shortly before the declaration of the Philippine Commonwealth, a body of Filipino Muslims openly expressed their aspiration to organize and establish a sovereign Islamic state. On 18 March 1935, Muslim leaders assembled in Dasalan (now Marawi City) and drafted a declaration of their aspired Islamic independence which was forwarded to the American Congress through the President of the United States. The declaration was a manifestation of the Muslim’s objection to the inclusion of Mindanao and Sulu into the Philippine territory. Similarly, they claimed that the Philippine Constitution was mainly crafted to suit the welfare of the Filipino Christians while making them a complete minority.
The off-and-on Muslim agitation was felt following the organization of the Muslim Association of the Philippines (MAP) in 1949. Primarily intended to unify and promote the welfare of the Muslims in the country, the organization later became a tool for local and international political purposes when it succeeded in forging strong links with foreign Islamic states, notably Indonesia, Iraq and Egypt. These foreign Islamic states openly supported MAP’s political aspirations apparently in keeping with what later on became known as the Pan Islamic Movement.
During the second National Muslim Conference in 1956, the then incumbent MAP President Domocao Alonto, once again expressed the Muslim’s desire to establish a separate state, patterned after Pakistan’s historic unified struggle for an independent Pakistani government.
Muslim separatist tendency have further gained strength with the organization of the Mindanao Independence Movement (MIM) in 1968. Clearly stated in the first MIM manifesto was the movement’s ultimate objective, "… desire to secede from the Republic of the Philippines and establish an Islamic state."
After the MIM, a proliferation of various secessionist organizations began to sprout. Likewise foreign Islamic countries have began to make themselves available for the expansion of these secessionist movements. The creation of the Green Guards, for instance, received assistance from Malaysian agents. Other organizations with similar secessionist leanings were the Ansar El Islam, the Kalimatu Sahadat, the Lam Alip, the Manvarul Islam and the Mindanao-Sulu Borneo Association.
Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF)
The organization of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in 1969 gave the secessionist movement a new color and fighting spirit. The declaration of the Martial Law did in no way able to stop them from their struggle. The leadership of Nur Misuari has even made the MNLF more fierce in their campaign for an independent Islamic state.
Initially, the MNLF served as the youth arm of the MIM. Later, however, the MNLF has come to realize that with the traditional leaders at the helm of the MIM, the Muslim masses will continue to be exploited. As such the youth members of the MIM began to dissociate themselves from the former and, instead, formed the MNLF. This is also true among the younger, militant members of other pre- Martial Law Muslim secessionist movements.
What made the MNLF gained strength in the 1970’s may be attributed to the conditions which resulted from the declaration of the Martial Law. A new crop of secessionist ideologues immediately exploited the firearms ban, for instance, to harness popular support and propel the movement with unprecedented momentum. The secessionist concocted the line that the firearms ban was part of the government scheme to forcibly "Christianize" the Muslims so as to exacerbate the Muslim resistance to Martial Law.
Moreover, the Muslim secessionist spirit was agitated by grievances that were exploited by the new breed of the MNLF leadership of Nur Misuari. Such grievances were largely derived from what the Filipino Muslims perceived as threats to their culture and religion, alongside with actual and imagined economic and political discriminations in a Christian dominated government. The years of neglect by previous administrations with regard to Muslim Mindanao and its people have likewise contributed to the Muslim restiveness exploding into Christian- Muslim armed violence in 1970-1971 and culminating into a full-blown rebellion in March 1973.
Shortly after the declaration of martial law, several major secessionist organizations banded together and organized on paper what was referred to as the Supreme Revolutionary Council (SRC) to unite and oversee the operations of all the secessionist groups. The armed elements of the SRC referred themselves as the Muslim Revolutionary Forces (MRF).
Instrumental in the formation of SRC and MRF was Nur Misuari himself who first had to coordinate all the activities of the Muslim armed groups in Zamboanga and Sulu. By invoking his Muslim origin and riding high on the issue of "Islam vs. Christianity", he succeeded in his propaganda campaign which further agitated the less educated segments of the Muslim populace.
The almost endless bloody hostilities between elements of the Muslim secessionists and government forces have finally come to a moment of peace, order and stability. On 02 Sept 1996, the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) signed the Final Peace Agreement designed to create a socio-politico-cultural environment conducive for socio-economic development. The peace agreement gave the Filipino Muslim community, better yet the whole nation, a space for improvement and prosperity.
The forging of the agreement may be considered as historic and unique. Historic in a sense that the peace has been made realized between the Filipino Christians and Filipino Muslims. Unique because one of its provisions have made possible for the inclusion and integration of some 5,750 former MNLF members into the AFP. To date, a total of 4,845 former MNLF members are presently undergoing various stages of integration into the AFP. MNLF integration into the AFP has been placed at about 80 percent completed. Meanwhile, a total of 454 former MNLF members have been integrated into the PNP.
Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) was organized by disgruntled members of the MNLF. Hashim Salamat, present MILF chairman, broke away from the MNLF Nur Misuari hierarchy due to leadership squabble and ideological differences. Initially, Salamat and his followers called themselves as the "NEW MNLF". However, analysis reveal that the animosity between the two factions was inspired more by ideological rather than personal differences. As a result, in 1983 Salamat dropped the word "National" in favor of "Islamic"; thus, paving the way for the birth of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
The MILF is currently the largest Muslim secessionist group in the country. From a membership of 8,000 in 1996, the MILF took advantage of the GRP-MILF peace talks to increase its membership to 15,000 and build-up an estimated 11,170 assorted firearms, which translates to an annual average increase of 25 percent. Its objective is to sever Muslim Mindanao from the Philippine Republic and transform it into an independent Islamic state. MILF rebels are largely distributed in Central Mindanao, particularly in the provinces of Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur, and to a lesser extent in Western Mindanao. The organization derives its sustenance from proceeds of extortion, kidnapping, smuggling, piracy and other criminal/terrorist activities, and support from several Muslim countries.
For the year 2000, the MILF has conducted 144 terroristic activities resulting in the death of 105 civilians. These incidents are broken down into 88 bombings, 13 arsons, 10 kidnappings, 9 liquidations, and 6 hostage-takings. MILF atrocities are not directed to Christians alone but against fellow Muslims as well. A case in point was the failed assassination of Zamzamin Ampatuan, a scion of a prominent Muslim family who publicly condemned the MILF for being un-Islamic.
Among the competible terroristic activities committed by the MILF this year are the following:
- - occupation of the Talayan Municipal Hall and setting up blockade along the highway in Brgy Labu-Labu, Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao on 10 January.,
- - bombing of two (2) Super Five buses on board M/V Our Lady of Mediatrix barge at Ozamis port in Misamis Occidental last 25 Feb that resulted in the death of 49 civilians.,
- - the attack on civilian communities and 9 AFP detachments in the Municipalities of Kauswagan, Linamon, Kolambugan, Munai, Balo-I and Maigo, all in Lanao del Norte, which began on 15 Mar. The MILF also occupied the Kauswagan Municipal Hall and held hostage 294 civilians, closed the national highway and held the Napo bridge in Linamon.
Subsequent AFP counter-action operations in the afternoon of 17 Mar resulted in the recovery of the Kauswagan Municipal Hall and the rescue of all the civilian hostages. The AFP dismantled an MILF satellite camp in Brgy Dilabayan, Kauswagan from where the MILF rebels launched their attacks.
Due to the recurring MILF atrocities and in response to the sentiments of the residents of Lanao del Norte, on 21 Mar Pres Estrada called for an "all out" operations against those MILF elements committing criminal acts and terrorism. Subsequent AFP operations had also resulted in the expulsion of MILF forces from Lanao del Norte; cleared the Kapatagan-Iligan-Cagayan de Oro City national highway; and captured several MILF camps, positions and communication centers in Brgy Apo, Balo-I, Lanao del Norte.
In Maguindanao, hostilities began when on 28 Apr the AFP encountered about 300 MILF rebels while clearing the Narciso Ramos Highway, where it is believed that the MILF established some 14 outposts/detachments along the highway stretching from Matanog, Maguindanao to Kapatagan, Lanao del Sur. The MILF had also conducted regular foot patrols along the highway, which it claimed as part of Camp Abubakar’s perimeter.
On 29 Apr the AFP launched an operation clearing the Narciso Ramos Highway from MILF checkpoints which have resulted in the re-establishment of government authority in the said area. In reaction, the MILF declared on 30 Apr a unilateral suspension of the peace talks. In an effort to gain moral ascendancy over the AFP, on 05 May the MILF declared a 48-hour unilateral ceasefire effective 06 May 2000 allegedly in response to calls by several sectors for an end to the hostilities in Mindanao. The MILF also saw the need to tap prominent personalities as well as mobilized Islamic NGOs to call an end to military operations in Mindanao.
As a result of the series of MILF military setbacks, they finally agreed to resume peace talks on 30 May without preconditions. A three-day (30 May- 01 Jun 00) meeting was held between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) Peace Panel and the MILF Peace Panel in Cotabato City. The GRP Panel submitted a proposed political package for a meaningful autonomy as embodied in House Bill 7883. The next meeting is tentatively set on 28 Jun to discuss the GRP’s proposed concept of autonomy and the positions of the technical working group. The GRP is guided by a four-point agenda issued by the President on 24 May.
Prior to its call for the resumption of peace talks, however, the MILF continued to engage in relentless violent activities in Central Mindanao, the most recent of which was the 27 May massacre of 5 local Muslim officials and 2 children in Binidayan, Lanao del Sur plus the series of bombings that rocked not only Mindanao but also Metro Manila. Information received disclosed that the MILF has tasked some elements of its Special Operations Group (SOG) to implement the so-called "Oplan Zero Hour" that calls for, among other things, the conduct of bombings nationwide.
To reduce the MILF’s military capability, government troopers on 29 May launched operations on Camp Busrah, Headquarters of Aleem Abdulaziz Mimbantas and site of Darul Imam Military Academy in Butig, lanao del Sur. The operation lasted until 08 Jun which resulted in the capture of 6 MILF camps and 3 defense positions in Central Mindanao as follows:
- - Camp Busrah, on 29 May,
- - Hill 845 and Hill 825, also on 29 May,
- - Camp Sarmiento in Brgy Sarmiento, Matanog, Maguindanao, where Al Haj Murad’s office is located on 01 June,
- - 308th Bde Camp located in Masiu, Lanao del Sur on 03 Jun,
- - Camp Usman located at the border of Pagagawan and Carmen, Cotabato on 04 June,
- - Camp Darapanan and Sampaguita in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao on 08 June, and
- - Limbalod complex in Brgy Limbalod, Pagagawan, Maguinadano, also on 08 June.
At present, AFP operations has resulted in the capture of 6 major MILF camps; 2 other established MILF camps; 29 various satellite camps and defense lines; and several detachments and defense positions.
Significantly, AFP operations have diminished the threat posed by the MILF in the affected areas giving the residents a sense of security and protection. Likewise, the removal of MILF checkpoints along the Narciso Ramos Highway has ensured the smooth flow of commerce, protected the commuters using the highway and asserted government authority in the area.
As part of its diplomatic offensive, the MILF is set to use international fora to discredit the government for alleged human rights violations and "ethnic cleansing" in Mindanao - a move aimed at further gaining moral and political support for its secessionist ambition. Reports claim that the MILF will attend the Organization of Islamic Conference’s (OIC) International Conference of Foreign Ministers (ICFM) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 27-30 June. The MILF is expected to present before the OIC its proposal for a United Nation or OIC-supervised referendum for independence in Mindanao.
Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG)
The Abu Sayyaf Group or ASG was organized by several disgruntled members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF). Its organization was fuelled by the wave of foreign Islamic fundamentalists who came to the country to propagate Islam and recruit local Muslims for overseas scholarships. Aside from gaining the said scholarships, the recruits later joined the international Islamic Brigade as Mujahideens or Islamic warriors to fight Soviet occupation forces in Afghanistan during the Afghan war in 1980-1988. After extensive guerilla training, Filipino Mujahideens such as Abdurajak Janjalani along with other former MNLF members formed the Muhajideen Commando Freedom Figthers or MCFF. The MCFF was later renamed Abu Sayyaf or "Bearer of the Sword", which was taken from the name of an Afghan resistance leader, Abdul Rasul Sayyaf. In 1994, Janjalani renamed the group as Al Harakatul Al-Islamiya (AHAI) for its international name.
The Abu Sayyaf’s first terroristic act was the 1991 bombing of the M/V Doulos, a floating library with Christian missionaries on board. The ASG also figured in other criminal activities such as bombing, robbery, arson, extortion, and kidnap-for-ransom. Kidnap victims included some priests and nuns. Several Catholic churches in Mindanao have not been spared from bombings - a clear indication that they are all ready to create havoc between the Christians and Muslims.
At present, the Abu Sayyaf has no single leadership set-up, instead, it is collectively led by senior ASG members from different areas where the group operates. These group of leaders include Khadaffy Janjalani, a brother of ASG founder Abibakar Abdurajak Janjalani who was slain in an encounter with PNP elements in 1998. ASG strength rose from 650 in 1995 to its present membership of 1,107, increasing at an annual average rate of 15 percent. ASG membership are scattered in the provinces of Basilan, Sulu, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte, General Santos and Sarangani.
For the year 2000, the ASG has engaged in a total of 33 terroristic activities, broken down as follows: 11 bombings, 11 liquidations, 7 kidnappings, 2 seajacking and 1 robbery/hold-up.
To discourage military pursuit operations, the ASG terrorists normally target on innocent civilians who serve as "human shields". This method was reflected in the twin kidnappings of some 80 students, teachers and a priest in Basilan on 20 Mar. Then on 23 Apr, 21 tourists composed mostly of foreigners were abducted in Sipadan Island, near Sabah and were subsequently turned over to the ASG members based in Sulu. The hostages are presently held at the ASG hideout in Brgy Tiis-Kutong, Patikul, Sulu. While negotiations on the release of the hostages are being explored, ASG terrorists continue to victimize overzealous foreign journalists who venture inside their hideouts, divesting them of cash and other valuables.
Government troops are still deployed in the area so as to prevent the kidnappers from possible escape. At the same time, government negotiators have been sent to peacefully settle the situation. Government has delayed a full assault on the Abu Sayyaf’s lair to ensure the security of the hostages.
Other significant AFP operations include:
- - the capture of the Abu Sayyaf’s Camp Abdurajak, located in Mt Puno Mohadji, Sumisip, Basilan on 01 May.,
- - the rescue of 16 hostages by elements of the 24th Special Forces company during an encounter with the Abu Sayyaf in Isabela, Basilan on 03 May.
The troopers have also recovered the bodies of 4 kidnap victims, including that of Fr Gallardo. The priest was repeatedly tortured before ruthlessly executed by the ASG. Similarly, the remains of Annabel Mendoza, one of the abducted teachers, revealed that the ASG mutilated her breast before she was killed. Likewise, 2 other decapitated cadavers of kidnapped victims have been recovered at Camp Abdurajak on 06 May.
Rescue operations are still being pursued, even as government negotiators painstakingly explore possibilities on the release of the remaining hostages in Sulu and Basilan.
RATIONALE FOR MILITARY ACTIONS IN MINDANAO
The Chief of Staff, AFP, GEN ANGELO T REYES, stated in one of his talks that , the soldiers , more than anybody else want peace, because he suffers the deepest wound in war. I should further inform you that the soldiers of your Armed Forces are there to follow orders in restoring peace in Mindanao. The military operations in Mindanao is against the MILF , and not one among the people.
The militia confrontation between the AFP and MILF was inevitable, considering the build-up of forces by the MILF in the past several years, which enabled it to build a force of some 13,000 men with weaponry that includes mortars, grenade launchers and anti tank weapons.
The AFP is uncomfortable in this situation with another well-armed ‘standing military force" of this size in the country. Worse, this other army has a secure base from which to operate through, the supposed camps that the MILF claimed and which the government has allowed it to maintain. Obviously, if nothing was done to address the problem of having a big military force with the announced objective of carrying out Mindanao or part of it from Philippine territory, then the situation would worsen and the next administrations would have an even bigger problem to face.
There should only be one Armed Forces and one constitution. The entire Philippines is for all the Filipinos to defend and fight for.
The government’s choice now is to solve the problem today or solve it later, when the challenge would even be bigger and more serious. The Estrada administration has made the decision to deal with the problem now.
It’s not true, that the military believes that a military solution is the only recourse to the Mindanao problem. The AFP recognizes that the solution must include economic, social, cultural and historical considerations, and involve everybody with a stake in Mindanao.
FACT SHEET
This fact sheet was prepared to provide answers to questions as regards the clashes between government troops and the MILF in ssevereal key areas in Mindnao, particularly in Maguindanao an Lanao del Norte to dissuade any group into attempting to muddle the issue by giving out false information regarding the conflict.
The armed conflict in Mindanao between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the MILF has entered its fourth month. These are concentrated mostly in the provinces of Maguindanao and Lanao del Norte.
Military operations against the MILF resulted to a total of 120 soldiers killed and 345 wounded while casualties on the MILF side is three times greater.
The latest military action against the MILF also resulted to the capture of 21 minor and major MILF camps from March 18 to May 5. To date, however, more MILF camps are on the verge of collapsing as a result of the relentless military operations.
The military actions against the MILF was borne out of two main points: 1) the seeming endless violation of the MILF of a previous agreement, on cessation of hostilities especially with the recent assault by the rebels of the Kauswagan town hall and sabotage operations by bombing the power lines in Lanao del Norte; 2) the setting up of checkpoints by the MILF at the Narciso Ramos Highway that connects the provinces of Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao for extortion and harassment purposes.
The decision to lay siege on the MILF in Lanao del Norte abd the checkpoints along the Ramos Highway should not be viewed as an all out offensive against the MILF, but merely to check the rebels from advancing and to contain them to the confines of Camp Abubakar, which is their main headquarters.
The MILF launched an "all-out offensive" against the military and government installations in North Cotabato, in May, after pulling out of peace talks. They felled power transmission lines, commandeered two passenger buses and blockaded a portion of the Davao-Cotabato highway as fighting between government soldiers and the rebels continued outside Camp Abubakar in Matanog town in Maguindanao.
The offensive came as the MILF declared am "indefinite suspension" of the peace negotiations with the government because of the continued fighting. They suspende talks indefinitely with government because of what they said were military assault s on rebel camps, including their headquarters. Shelling and fighting also erupted near the MILF’s Camp Darapanan in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, less than a kilometer form the junction of the Cotabato-Davao highway.
Despite the fresh hostilities, government said it is still hoping the MILF will return to the negotiating table and assured the group that the military has no intention of attacking the MILF’s main camp of Abubakar. The rebels began consolidating their forces one day after the MILF pulled out of peace negotiations, accusing the government of waging war while talking peace.
CHRONOLOGY OF EVENTS IN MAGUINDANAO.
(Jan 8-Feb 2000)
On January 8 a total of 12 clashes were reported in several aras of Maguindanao, most of which happened in Datu Piang and Shariff Aguak with only four soldiers soldiers wounded and an undetermined number of MILF rebels killed or wounded.
Government troops overran enemy positions with nine bunkers, running trenches, barricades and tunnels which accordingly is the headquarters of the 9th IB, 206th Bde, 2nd Field Division in Camp Omar. Government troops also recovered two landmines with accessories, two rifle grenades and personal belongings inside the camp.
- * On January 10, a total of seven encounters were reported, notable of which was the occupation by around 150 MILF rebels of the Municipal Hall of Talayan. The group led by Akas Kasim @ Cmdr Adzmie drove out all the employees to include the three PNP elements assigned at the Municiapl Hall. The group also occupied the national highway along Datu Odin Sinsuat as nearby barangays experienced power faulure doe to the destruction of one electrical post of the Anational Power Corporation in Ngy Iginagampong brought about by the ongoing confrontation between government forces and MILF rebels in the area.
- * On 101530 Jan, MILF rebels held hostage a group of DXMS/Today field reporters identified as Malu Cadelina-Manar, Philippine Star reported John Unson and OB van driver Neslon Cabrera. The hostages were freed on 1620H same day, although the OB van was driven by the rebels towards Camp Bader, also in Talayan. That same day, MILF rebels ambushed soldiers belonging to the "B" Coy, 64IB led by Lt Jack Jamorabon while on board an M35 truck. Seven troopers were wounded in the ambush while undetermined on the enemy side.
- · On 110600 Jan, combined elements of the 57th IB and 25th IB encountered undetermined number of MILF forces in Bgy Malumaig, Datu Pian, Maguinadnao resulting to one trooper killed and 7 others wounded. The enemy suffered 3 casualties.
- * On 12020 Jan, troops of 2SRC, 18 SRC and one platoon from 38th IB seized the Talayan Municipal Hall, Talayan, Maguindanao without enemy resistance. The municipal hall and its health center were ransacked by the rebels who also carted away the center’s medicines.
- * On February a total of 21 clashes were reported resulting to the seizure of the 206th Brigade headquarters, 2nd Field Division, Camp Al Farouq of the MILF at Shariff Aguak. Enemy position composed of 62 bunkers with the barricades and running trenches, 102 foxholes, MILF clinic, rice mill, gunsmith shop, ammunition dump and armory were cleared. The clearing operation resulted in negative casualty on the government side, 16 MILF rebels were killed and recovery of assorted firearms, mortars explosive devices, and other MILF paraphernalia.
CHRONOLOGY OF EVENTS IN LANAO DEL NORTE
( March 15-April 27, 2000)
Here are reports of MILF atrocities that led to the raid of Kauswagan town hall, Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte.
- On March 15, one section of the "C" Coy while on patrol reported the presence of MILF rebels moving towards Inudaran Detachment and engaged them in a firefight. Rebels withdrew the Inudaran Elementary School which they used as a satellite camp. Heavy exchange of fire resulted in one rebel killed and another wounded. Also killed were one soldier and two CAAs. The following day, around 100 MILF rebels attacked elements of SR Coy of 26IIB resulting in one trooper killed and four troopers wounded. The enemy suffered undetermined number of casualties.
- In March 16, four other harassments occurred in Kauswagan and Bacolod resulting to one soldier killed. That same day, around 100 MILF elements attacked Matampay patrol base in Baloi town. A reinforcing team from B Coy, 30IB engaged the rebels in a firefight. The encounter resulted in the death of one CAA and injury of one trooper. The rebels suffered undetermined number of casualties.
- On 161245 Mar, undetermined armed MILF rebels ambushed SPO1 Manuel Montebon with Micahel Solarta while driving a motorcycle convoy with an ambulance transporting a wounded person fro treatment in Iligan City Hospital along the national highway in Brgy Napo, Linamon. Montebon died on the spot while Solarta was able to return fire and escape.
- That same day, MILF rebels attacked a CAFGU detachment in Matungao, Kauswagan. Exchange of gunfire resulted in the damage of one APC vehicle. The bridge was partially damaged when hit by a B40. the following day, one MILF body was recovered and one M16 rifle were found at the scene).
- On 161800 Mar, 6SCR 1st Lt Ramos encountered around 150 MILF rebels in Lapayan, Kauswagan. The government side suffered 5 KIA and 5 WIA and the destruction of one APC and one generator.
- Prior to the attack on the Kauswagan Municipal Hall was occupied by around 80 heavily armed MILF rebels under Abdullah Macapaar @ Cmdr Bravo of 303rd Bde, BIAF without resistance from the PNP elements assigned thereat.
- On 171750 Mar, elements of the 34MC, 4MBn recovered the Kauswagan Municipal Hall. Also recovered and liberated were 294 civilians held hostage inside the municipal hall, gym and church. The incident resulted in the negative casualty on the government, while undetermined on the rebel side. Nine motorized pump boats, four of which were from Linamon and five from Brgy Kawit, Oriental, were forcibly taken by the MILF during their withdrawal.
- On 171900 Mar, MILF rebels took hostage some residents along the seashore of Kauswagan, who were stranded while waiting to be ferried to Ozamiz City and other places of safety. On 172130 Mar, M/V royal Dolphin evacuated around 200 residents from Kauswagan to Ozamiz City.
- The following day, the Army and elements from the Philippine Marines that resulted in five encounters conducted pursuit operations. Pursuing government troopers encountered withdrawing MILF rebels. One MILF rebel was captured. On 0930H, two OV-10 conducted bomb runs at suspected MILF positions in Dibalayan and Inuduran, all of Kauswagan.
- On 181435, elements of Station 1, Iligan City PPO, while on pursuit operation on the reported presence of retreating MILF rebels from Kauswagan, encountered the said rebels in Sitio Bayug, Brgy Hinaplonan, and Iligan City. Exchange of fire resulted in the wounding and eventful capture of three MILF rebels.
- On 19 Mar, MILF rebels under Cmdr Radiamoda robbed the Mancoco warehouse owned by the Dimpaporo’s located in Banga-an, Sultan Naga Dimaporo. The rebels took undetermined number of sacks of rice.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines announced the seizure of 21 major and satellite camps in Lanao del Norte in its month-long campaign against the rebels that started April 1.
Since day one of the operations against the MILF, the military under the 4ID and PAF managed to capture nine satellite camps before the Army managed to capture Camp Bilal situated in Dalama, Munai town.
From then on, several major satellite camps of the MILF crumbled including a training camp in Brgy. Balindong, Kapatagan and Camp John Mack, a forward defense line and the headquarters of the MILF 303rd Bgd. Headquarters in Inuduran, Dilabayn in Kauswagan and Apo Hill in Baloi, also in Lanao del Norte.
An estimated 300 MILF guerillas were killed and government forces in the assault seized a number of weapons. The military also cleared the Narciso Ramos Highway, a 10-km stretch that connects the provinces of Lanao to Maguindanao.
