BIFF’s explosives yielded by civilians to troops in Maguindanao

By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (October 8, 2017) - Two improvised explosive devices of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters that were recovered by the civilians in the bandits' stronghold were surrendered to the troops in Maguindanao Friday (Oct 6), military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) information officer Cpt Jo-Ann D. Petinglay disclosed that weighing about five kilograms, said explosives were turned over by the residents to the Loudspeaker Class 01-2017, composed of 19 students, and personnel of the Civil Military Operations Battalion under Major Macalintangui in Sitio Gadong, Barangay Pagatin 2, Datu Salibo, Maguindanao at 8am Friday (October 6).

"Troops were on community immersion and field training exercise in areas where residents are influenced by the BIFF. This prompted the residents to surrender the improvised explosives to the government forces," said Major General Arnel Dela Vega, commander of the Joint Task Force Central.

Cpt. Petinglay said that the explosives were brought to a detachment of the 57th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Pagatin 2, Datu Salibo, Maguindanao, and were subsequently turned over to the 32nd Explosive Ordnance Demolition team for proper documentation, disposition, and appropriate action.

"Intelligence operatives continue to monitor the movement of the BIFF fighters in the area," added Major General Dela Vega.

Residents said that the explosives were recovered in Barangay Tee, Datu Salibo, Maguindanao, a known stronghold of the Daesh-inspired fighters.

"With our sustained efforts to defeat the BIFF, we are confident that more and more civilians will support our campaign against the terrorists in our joint area of operations. Rest assured that our forces will continue the offensives in Central Mindanao," said Lieutenant General Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

"Congratulations to the JTF Central for a commendable job," he added.