SHARIFF AGUAK, Maguindanao del Sur — Tension gripped Barangay Tina after the home of a Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) commander was targeted in back-to-back attacks involving a grenade and gunfire on December 21 and 22.
Commander Jaime Hamid, who identified himself as Battalion Commander of the 13th Brigade under the MILF’s 118th Base Command, said he is “grateful to have survived” the attempts on his life after unidentified assailants hurled a grenade inside his residence late Saturday night. The device failed to explode — a stroke of luck that prevented what could have been a deadly tragedy.
Just a night later, past 10 p.m. on Sunday, armed men reportedly sprayed bullets at his compound, sending residents into fear and forcing Hamid and his family to seek immediate cover.
Despite the alarming incidents, no one was injured.
“It caused fear, but thankfully nobody was hurt,” Hamid told in an interview.
Authorities have yet to identify who is behind the attacks or determine the motive. Hamid said the brazen acts remain a mystery and stressed the need for swift investigation to prevent escalation of violence in the community.
He has since coordinated with both the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police for protection and for a deeper probe into the incidents.
Security forces are now conducting follow-up operations and monitoring in the area to ensure the safety of civilians and to track down the suspects.
The attacks come as peace and security stakeholders continue efforts to maintain stability in Maguindanao del Sur, particularly in areas with active MILF presence undergoing normalization under the Bangsamoro peace process.