Incident Summary:

08/28/2006: Rebels from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) raided the village of Palomugin in the southern Philippine province of Cotabato, resulting in the death of one rebel and the wounding of two civilians. The casualties occurred when local militiamen responded to the raid and a gun battle broke out between the opposing sides. In addition, MILF rebels captured 18 villagers, but they were released after the militia returned the body of the dead rebel to members of the MILF group. A MILF spokesman confirmed that his group was responsible for the raid.

GTD ID:
200608280007

When:
2006-08-28

Country:
Philippines

Region:
Southeast Asia

Province/administrative
region/u.s. state:

North Cotabato

City:
Palomugin

Attack Information
Type of Attack (more) Armed Assault
Type of Attack (more) Hostage Taking (Kidnapping)
Successful Attack? (more) Yes
Target Information (more)
Target Type: Private Citizens & Property
Name of Entity Unknown
Specific Description Unknown
Nationality of Target Philippines
Additional Information
Hostages Yes
Number of Hostages 15
US Hostages 0
Days of Kidnapping 1
Outcome Hostage(s) released by perpetrators
Ransom No
Property Damage No
Weapon Information
Type Sub-type
Firearms Automatic Weapon
Additional Information
Suicide Attack?No
Part of Multiple Incident?No
Criterion 1 (more) Yes
Criterion 2 (more) Yes
Criterion 3 (more) Yes
Doubt Terrorism Proper (more) No
Additional Information The MILF fighters raided the village looking for food then took villagers hostage to use as human shields. They then bargained for the dead MILF fighter's body in exchange for the release of the hostages.
Perpetrator Group Information
Group Name Claimed Responsibility
Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) (suspected) No
Perpetrator Statistics
Number of Perpetrators 60
Number of Captured Perpetrators Unknown
Casualty Information
Total Number of Casualties 1 Fatalities / 2 Injured
Total Number of Fatalities 1
Number of U.S. Fatalities 0
Number of Perpetrator Fatalities 1
Total Number of Injured 2
Number of U.S. Injured 0
Number of Perpetrators Injured Unknown
Sources
“Philippine Army Says One Killed, Many Abducted as Muslim Guerrillas Raid Village,” Agence France Presse, August 28, 2006.
“MILF Rebels Attack Military Detachment, Take 4 People as Hostages,” Philippine Daily Inquirer, August 28, 2006.
“MILF Rebels Free 18 Captives Unharmed in Southern Philippines,” Philippine Daily Inquirer, August 29, 2006.