AFP bombs, destroy BIFF lair in Maguindanao
BANGSAMORO NEWS UPDATES • 04:01 AM Sun Feb 3, 2019
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By:
Edwin O. Fernandez
CAMP SIONGCO,
Maguindanao – The military-led Joint Task Force Central (JTFC) Saturday
launched air strikes against suspected terrorists’ base in Maguindanao, destroying
bunkers and foxholes that could accommodate about 20 terrorists.
Major Arvin John
Encinas, the spokesperson of the 6th Infantry Division, said the
focused military operations were conducted at about 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 in lair of
ISIS-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).
Encinas said
the surgical air, artillery and ground operations were launched against the
identified and confirmed locations of the BIFF sub-leader Salahuddin Hasan alias
Orak.
He was under
Abu Torayfe group, one of the three factions of the BIFF, believed to be behind
the two separate bombings in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat last September.
Encinas could
not say if Hassan or any DAESH inspired terrorists were killed in the air and
ground bombardment which were heard by residents of Tulunan and Mlang in North
Cotabato as well as Shariff Aguak in Maguindanao.
But he said
initial results of the operation showed the destruction of bunkers and foxholes
that could accommodate more of less 20 DAESH Inspired terrorist group members.
Also on
Saturday, 6th Infantry Division commander Major General Cirilito E.
Sobejana, issued statement assuring the public in his area of operation that
military remained on heightened alert status.
Sobejana also
appealed to the public to refrain spreading messages in the social media about alleged
bombings that trigger fear among the populace.
Following the
bombings in Jolo, Zamboanga and North Cotabato last week, Sobejana said I directed
all the units under my 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. Likewise, we appeal to the public
not to spread annoying messages unless verified to be true, Sobejana, also JTF
Central commander, said.
I am
appealing for sobriety and request everyone to stop from spreading unverified
stories and reports that could aggravate the current situations in the affected
areas, he added. (EOF)