BIFF, Dawlah Islamiya declared ‘persona non grata’

PERSONA NON-GRATA --- Village officials of Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao have declared the Islamic State-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and Dawlah Islamiya terrorist group “persona non grata”  during a peace and development gathering initiated by the Army last February 9). Lt. Col. Edwin Alburo (back at photo), commander of the Army's 57th Infantry Battalion, affixes his signature on the local officials’ declaration against violent extremism. (Photo courtesy of 57th IB)

KIDAPAWAN CITY  --- Three villages in conflict-affected Datu Saudi Ampatuan (DSA) in Maguindanao declared Sunday (February 9) “persona non grata” the Islamic State-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and Dawlah Islamiya terrorist (DITG).

During the gathering for Community Support Program on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (CSP-PCVE), local officials of Barangays Gawang, Kitapok, and Kitango of DSA approved a joint resolution denouncing the atrocities committed by the BIFF and DITG and declaring them “persona non grata” in their communities. 

The remote areas of DSA and nearby areas near the Liguasan Marsh are frequently being harassed by the BIFF and DITG elements.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Edwin Alburo, 57th Infantry Battalion commander, vowed to protect the residents under his area of assignment against "violent extremism espoused by the terrorist groups".

“Your 57th IB is doing its best in serving and securing the constituents in the unit area of operation and will continue its work to attain lasting peace,” Alburo said.

The 57th IB initiated the gathering at the town gymnasium for the three adjoining villages of Gawang, Kitapok, and Kitango to educate residents on the dangers of violent extremism.

Alburo said the objective of the gathering was to support the Army’s Development Security and Support Plan (DSSP), more known as “Kapayapaan,” to insulate the populace from violent extremism and educate them on the evil effects of terrorism.

“It aims to prevent the locals from being persuaded or recruited by extremist and terror groups such as the BIFF and DITG,” Alburo said.

Col. Jose Mamon, 601st deputy brigade commander, also spoke on the government’s overview of governance, development, and security during the gathering.

“There can be no sustainable development without peace and there can be no peace without development,” Mamon said. (EDWIN FERNANDEZ & NOEL PUNZALAN, PNA - COTABAO, MINDANAO EXPOSE')