Military appeals to North Cotabato evacuees to return to homes

MANILA, Philippines—The military has urged evacuees who fled from the fighting between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in North Cotabato to return to their homes.

“Because of the offensive that we are doing, areas like Pikit are almost put back in order. We appeal to our fellowmen to return to their homes,” Armed Forces spokesperson Col. Restituto Padilla said at a press briefing on Friday at Camp Aguinaldo.

He assured that they would continue to keep their areas safe.

Fighting broke out between the MILF and BIFF almost a month ago in North Cotabato due to clan war or rido and has placed 23,000 people in evacuation centers, according to data from the local office of civil defense.

The local government of Pikit has already declared their areas free from members of BIFF.

At least 2,000 people have been transferred back to their homes from evacuation centers in Pikit.

Clearing operations have been carried out in order to prepare for the return of the evacuees.