Troops destroy BIFF lair in Maguindanao

By Edwin Fernandez | PNA

February 3, 2019

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao — The military-led Joint Task Force Central (JTFC) on Saturday launched air strikes and artillery fire against a pinpointed terrorist lair in Maguindanao, destroying bunkers and foxholes that could accommodate about 20 individuals.

Maj. Arvin John Encinas, spokesperson of the 6th Infantry Division (6ID), said focused military operations were conducted around 6 a.m. in Sitio Tatak, Barangay Tugal, Sultan sa Barongis, Maguindanao.

Two Philippine Air Force (PAF) OV-10 aircraft dropped eight 250-pound bombs on the lair of the Islamic State-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

Encinas said surgical air, artillery and ground operations were launched against the identified and confirmed location of BIFF sub-leader Salahuddin Hasan alias “Orak.”

“He (Hasan) is under the BIFF-Abu Toraife faction, which is believed to be behind the two separate bombings in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat in September last year,” he said.

As of this posting, Encinas could not say if Hassan or any other BIFF terrorists were killed in the air and ground bombardment which were heard by residents of Tulunan and M’lang in North Cotabato as well as Shariff Aguak in Maguindanao.

He, however, said initial results of the operation showed the destruction of bunkers and foxholes that could accommodate many terrorist group members.

Also on Saturday, Maj. Gen. Cirilito E. Sobejana, 6ID commander and concurrent JTFC head, issued a statement assuring the public in his area of operation that the military remains on heightened alert status.

Sobejana also appealed to the public to refrain from spreading messages in social media about alleged bombings that could trigger fear among the populace.

Following the bombings in Jolo, Zamboanga and North Cotabato last week, Sobejana said he directed all units under his command "to strictly heighten the alert level and secure all places of worships and public places and/or areas of convergence.”

“We will also further intensify our intelligence efforts and initiate pro-active security measures to thwart possible hostile plans, he added. (PNA)