AFP nabs 4 BIFF members in Maguindanao

Karlos Manlupig

This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.

AFP nabs 4 BIFF members in Maguindanao
The military also reports that 9 soldiers are hurt in the series of firefights with the BIFF in the province

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Government troops have nabbed 4 suspected members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in a temporary encampment in a Maguindanao village on Friday morning, March 6.

Captain Jo-Ann Petinglay, spokesperson of the military’s 6th Infantry Division, also said that  9 soldiers were wounded in a series of firefights with the splinter group of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Friday.

Petinglay identified the suspected BIFF members, who were captured in the encampment in Barangay Liab in Datu Piang, as Aladin Panaydan, 22; Daud Balogat, 23; Ebrahim Oraw, 40; and Abdul Madalidaw, 33. 

Recovered from the suspects were a caliber .45 pistol, a caliber .45 Thompson sub-machine gun, ammunition, improvised explosive device paraphernalia, 4 mobile phones, and several documents.

Military authorities are coordinating with local police force in preparing cases against the suspects.

“The capture of the camps only proves that the BIFF is involved in the manufacture of IEDs and is establishing strongholds in the different areas within the vicinity of the Salibo, Pagatin, Mamasapano and Shariff Aguak (SPMS) box,” Petinglay said.

The military said the arrests and the fall of the encampment will further paralyze the BIFF.

9 soldiers hurt

Petinglay also said the 9 soldiers were hurt as operating forces under the Joint Task Force Central engaged the BIFF in different locations, especially in the towns of Datu Saudi and Datu Piang on Friday afternoon.

The wounded soldiers who were not identified were immediately evacuated for proper medical attention.

Major General Edmundo Pangilinan, Task Force Central Commander, said that the Rules of Engagement are being strictly observed by the ground forces during the entire operation to ensure that no civilians will be hurt.

The government launched the all-out offensive against the BIFF following the   Special Action Force operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, on January 25 where 65 people – including 44 SAF troopers – were killed. – Rappler.com

Add a comment

Sort by

There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation.

Summarize this article with AI

How does this make you feel?

Loading
Download the Rappler App!