Some 2,000 families were displaced by clashes between the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and soldiers in North Cotabato on Monday. The BIFF rebels took civilians to use as human shields against pursuit by the military following a clash in Midsayap town. The BIFF on Tuesday released all of their remaining hostages. The 9 hostages, teachers from Sitio Malingao Elementary School, were brought to a nearby hospital for a medical check-up. The Armed Forces of the Philippines is now investigating whether or not the incident is connected to the ongoing standoff in Zamboanga City. - ANC Headstart, 24 September 2013