MARAUDING Moro fighters have left all the barangays that they have occupied in North Cotabato, after failing to stand the heat of the intense four-day government offensive, both the military and the leadership of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) confirmed on Wednesday.

The withdrawal on Wednesday by members of the 105 Base Command of the MILF, under Commander Umbra Kato, from all remaining areas in the towns that they have controlled for more than a month, was confirmed by the Armed Forces Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) and Ghadzali Jaafar, MILF vice chairman for political affairs.

“They have withdrawn as of this time. They could no longer resist our troops because our offensive is so strong in our clearing operations,” said Maj. Armand Rico, spokesman for the Eastmincom.

“The areas that have MILF [rebels] under Ameril Umbra Kato are already cleared. The only ones left are MILF [guerrillas] who are natives of the areas,” also said Jaafar.

Rico said soldiers and explosives experts are just clearing the 15 barangays from possible land mines, booby traps and unexploded munition before allowing the complete return of the noncombatants who were displaced by the hostilities that began on Sunday.

The barangays are Baliki, Lagumbingan, Upper Labas, Patindigan and Central Labas in Midsayap; Bagolibas, Dualing, Pangangan, Dunguan and Tupadak in Aleosan; Gumaga in Libungan; Bualan in Pikit; Lower Baguer and Cabpangi in Pigkawayan and Gayunga in Northern Kabuntalan.

Earlier, the government said that the “lost command” of the MILF occupied 13 areas, but the number was increased to 15 as the fighting progressed. Later, it was pegged to 22, as the military said it has to include the withdrawal routes of the rebels, which they indeed occupied as they came under heavy attack.

As the clearing operations ended, the National Police spokesman, Chief Supt. Nicanor Bartolome, said the legal processes would now start with the police investigating the incidents that led to the all-out offensive by the government.

He said that while Kato and his men could invoke the ongoing peace process between the MILF and the government, they should also realize that what they have possibly committed were simple criminal acts that are punishable under the Revised Penal Code.

Bartolome cited the cases of arson, murder, multiple murder and robberies that may have been committed by the MILF members against civilians.

In addition, he said the government is already undertaking humanitarian work to help the affected families, including returning them to their homes in order for them to resume their normal lives. 

Before the rebels’ complete withdrawal, Rico said the soldiers were still engaging them in sporadic fighting in some areas.

Jaafar said Kato and his men agreed to be repositioned, in compliance with the order of the joint cease-fire committee of the MILF and the government.

He added that Kato left North Cotabato on Monday.

Jaafar also frowned at the government’s claim of illegal occupation by members of the 105 Base Command, saying that MILF fighters are all over Mindanao.

He insisted that it was the MILF fighters who were attacked, which prompted them to defend themselves.

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