The dawn of March 17 was ushered by frightening shouts from the soldiers and deafening sound of machinegun fires, small arms, grenades signalling their assault on rebels' positions. The Rangers and rebels were at each other’s throats once again. What a way to start a new day!
Before noontime, the two detachments were already controlled by the Rangers. The rebels retreated in defeat. Lapayan Bridge was eventually opened and stranded motorists were able to pass through. At noontime, other government forces came and helped the battle-weary Rangers.
Before noontime, the two detachments were already controlled by the Rangers. The rebels retreated in defeat. Lapayan Bridge was eventually opened and stranded motorists were able to pass through. At noontime, other government forces came and helped the battle-weary Rangers.
But at around 2PM of that day, news spread out that MILF rebels have occupied houses and several government buildings in the town center of Kauswagan, a mere 3 kilometers from Lapayan bridge. It was to be known later that rebels who fled Lapayan have been joined by their comrades in taking over the town center.
By 4PM, another round of gun battle ensued. Before dusk, Kauswagan town center was literally on fire as several houses burned. Staccato of gunfire, explosion of mortar rounds and grenades ruled the entire afternoon until evening. In a nutshell, March 17 means more evacuees, more shattered lives, more deaths, massive destruction.
*Some of the residents were killed in the MILF's latest attack in Kauswagan, LDN on August 18, 2008
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