Pres. Quirino farmers complain of BIFF extortion

COTABATO CITY - Moro bandits continue to extort farmers in remote villages in Sultan Kudarat province, officials today said.Sancho Salamanca, chairperson of Barangay Katiku, said the Bangsmoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) continues to extort 'protection money' from farmers who were also threatened if the demand was ignored.Salamanca admitted that farmers used to provide share to the BIFF so they will not be 'disturbed.' But the demand was increasing and coupled with threats that no harassment will take place if the farmers shell out some sacks of palay to Moro bandits.The military has launched all out attacks against the BIFF in the borders of Sultan Kudarat and Maguindanao which led to the capture of a major BIFF camp.A team of soldiers has been deployed in the village to help police in safeguarding the helpless farmers.