Military recovers high-powered firearms, IED while pursuing terrorists BIFF in central Mindanao

PAGADIAN CITY (May 11, 2021) - Military troops recovered high-powered firearms and an improvised explosive device in separate operations against the local terrorists Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighter (BIFF) in central Mindanao, WestMinCom-PIO Chief Col Alaric Avelino Delos Santos disc;osed.

According to WestMinCom Commander Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., while the troops from the Joint Task Force Central were conducting a combat clearing operation in Sitio Balisa, Barangay Lepak, Pandag, Maguindanao around 1:10 p.m. Monday (May 10, 2021), they seized one Elisco M16 rifle loaded with a long magazine and 22 ammunition; and one Colt M16 rifle with one long magazine with 30 ammunition and one short magazine loaded with 17 ammunition.

Troops from the JTF Central continue to scour the area and pursue the BIFF local terrorist group.

“The said firearms are believed to be owned by the fleeing BIFF terrorists who are responsible for the recent violence in Datu Paglas,” said Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, Commander of the Joint Task Force Central.

Meanwhile, an IED was recovered by the joint elements of the AFP and PNP on Sunday morning, May 9.

The PNP personnel of Isulan Municipal Police Station received a report of a suspected IED placed on top of a fuel tank at Purok Masagana, Kalawag 1, Isulan, Sultan Kudarat.

Combined elements of the PNP and AFP immediately proceeded to the area to verify the report.

According to Brig. Gen. Roy Galido, Commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade, upon confirmation, the operating troops immediately cordoned the area and secured the item.

“The prompt response of the government forces preempted the enemies from executing their terror plan,” said Brig. Gen. Galido.

Recovered was a complete set of IED which include one Cartridge 81mm high explosive, one 9-volt battery, one improvised electric blasting cap, one sniper veil, white masking tape, brown packaging tape, and one Emylo receiver.

“This exemplifies that the active participation of the people is vital in sustaining the peace and tranquillity in the community,” said Maj. Gen. Uy.

Since January 2021, the military recovered a total of 12 firearms and 74 explosives of the BIFF.

“Congratulations to the troops of the Joint Task Force Central and the PNP for these accomplishments,” said Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr.

“I enjoin everyone to remain vigilant and immediately report any suspicious person or thing in your locality. With your unrelenting support, it is assured that we will soon attain genuine peace and sustainable development here in Mindanao,” the commander added. (By JONG D. CADION with reports and photos from WestinCom-PIO)

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