BIFF men harass military base in Maguindanao

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao --- Two Daesh-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) were killed and two others injured during a brief firefight in Shariff Saydona, Maguindanao on the night of April 16.

Maj. Gen. Arnel dela Vega, Army's 6th Infantry Division (6^th ID) commander and head of Joint Task Force Central (JTFC), said the BIFF was frantic to get back at the military following their losses in recent clashes, including the discovery of a firearm fabrication shop in Datu Salibo, Maguindanao last April 15.

Lt. Col. Gerry Besana, JTFC spokesperson, said the recent BIFF act of revenge took place in Barangay Nabundas, Shariff Saydona Mustapha.

About 16 BIFF bandits, led by commander Samad Simpal, harassed a detachment of the 40th Infantry Battalion at around 7:40 p.m. that Monday, triggering a brief clashes that left two BIFF killed and two wounded.

“They are desperate to get back at the Army, they continue to harass our detachments,” Besana said, adding that no casualty was reported on the government side.

Another clash erupted last in the morning of April 17 when gunmen fired at the 40th IB troopers conducting clearing operations in the previous night’s clash site.

The rebels fled when the Army returned fire.

Two improvised explosive devices  (IED) were also recovered and safely deactivated by Army bomb experts.

Besana has blamed the BIFF for the harassment and bombings in Cotabato City, Maguindanao, and North Cotabato.

A balut vendor was hurt when suspected BIFF set off an IED along the highway near the Army division first sentry in Barangay Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao on the night of April 16.

In North Cotabato, three men were also injured when suspected BIFF tossed a hand grenade in Barangay Kolambog, Pikit town, also on the  night of April 16.

On Sunday (April 15) night, an improvised bomb was planted atop Ugalingan Bridge in Barangay Ugalingan, Midsayap, North Cotabato, but failed to explode. The bridge connects the town of Datu Piang in Maguindanao and Midsayap in North Cotabato.

“These nonsense attacks of the ISIS-inspired BIFF extremist group shows that they can no longer handle the pressure that we have imposed on them,” Dela Vega said as he condemned the bombings by BIFF in civilian areas.

But he said the government remains open to peaceful surrender of the rebels.

“Time and again, we have given them options to lay down their arms and surrender or they will be dealt with more pressure as we intensify our mandate to get rid of all lawless elements in our area,” Dela Vega said.

Besana said tight security measures have been imposed and alert memoranda and security reminders were constantly given to the line units of the 6^th ID and the forces of the Joint Task Force Central within its area of responsibility. (Edwin Fernandez, PNA - Cotabato)