Military launches air strikes vs IS linked BIFF in North Cotabato

KIDAPAWAN CITY – At least five were killed when the military
on Tuesday launched airstrikes against IS inspired armed men in North Cotabato
where foreign terrorists were sighted since last month.

Capt. Arvin John Encinas, speaking for the 6th ID,
the airstrikes were launched at past 3 a.m. against Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom
Fighters (BIFF) in the village of Tonganon, Carmen, North Cotabato.

The operation was conducted to weed out the terrorist group and
to free the communities from the terror menace brought about by the BIFF,
Encinas said in a statement.

The Army’s 6th Military Intelligence Battalion reported
that five BIFF fighters were killed during the series of air attacks in Sitio
Misalan, Barangay Tonganon. It said two
of the fatalities were immediately buried near a Mosque in Sitio Misalan while
three others were taken by their comrades and brought to unknown direction.

Encinas assured that all safety procedures were undertaken of
the well-coordinated, deliberately planned, and specific-target operation.

Encinas said the point areas are far from the local communities,
hence, the operation was conducted with outmost consideration that the civilian
populace is far from harm’s way, ensuring their safety and protection.

Troops, backed by armored personnel carriers and artillery fire power,
were also deployed in the ground in order to contain the threat group and the
fighting in a small area of Barangay Tunganon.

I am very determined to defeat the threat groups and thwart
them from doing terroristic activities in Central Mindanao, Major Gen. Arnel
dela Vega, 6th ID chief, said in a statement.

He appealed for support from communities where the IS inspired
BIFF have been frequenting to ensure civilian populace and communities are
safe.

Last Nov. 9, the military also launched air strikes in the same
village of Tonganon, a thickly forested mountain in the borders of Carmen and
Aleosan towns. (Edwin O. Fernandez)