NAGA DIMAPORO, Zamboanga Sibugay, 23 October — At least three houses were burned down Sunday night in what is suspected to be a systematic approach to drive away the Muslims in this area in the Western Mindanao region. The owners of the burned houses, all Muslims, were identified as Alipin Enriquez, Alsari Morabbil and Tahamid Asanudin, all residents of Barangay La Paz in Naga Dimaporo town. Witnesses said the perpetrators of the crime were identified as Romel Gallanar and Avelino Labrador, all suspected members of armed “vigilantes” reportedly backed up by army soldiers under a lieutenant named Mike Danilo Lugto of the Bravo Company, 33rd Infantry Battalion. Lugto was also reportedly involved in strafing incidents of Muslim residents in the same area on the evening of Oct. 16, injuring an 11- year-old girl named Tata Escotoning. Witnesses said the same army unit was involved in a series of atrocities committed against the Muslim civilians. On Oct.1, 2001, elements of 33rd Battalion were said to have arrested and tortured 2 civilians from Barangay Tenan in nearby Ipil town.