In May 2003, The municipality was attacked by 150 Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) guerrillas and Abu Sayyaf. The attacked commenced at 12 a.m. in May 4. Small group of policemen led by 27-year-old police senior inspector Ranie Planilla Hachuela defended Siocon that lasted nine hours. Hachuela managed to rally his men in putting up stiff resistance against the wave of attacks by the rebels trying to overrun the municipal hall, police station and hospital. For this reason he was awarded the Medal of Valor for risking his life and for rescuing the town mayor and his family.