CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao -- The military here has assured Teduray communities in Maguindanao of ample protection from IS-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) who have been harassing them since last month.
The Tedurays and their ancestral domain, Mt. Firis, became the site of running gunbattles between government forces and BIFF elements since Dec. 25 last year.
Lt. Col. Gerry Besana, Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID) Civil Military Operations (CMO) office chief, said Major General Arnel dela Vega, 6ID commander, gave the assurance that their primary concern was to protect the less privileged inhabitants of Maguindanao.
“We will not let up on our campaign against the terrorist group,” Besana quoted Dela Vega as saying in response to the Teduray community leaders appeal for protection from the BIFF.
Following repeated harassment by the IS-flag carrying militants in the towns of Datu Hofer, Datu Unsay and Datu Saudi Ampatuan, tribal leaders sought a dialogue with military leaders.
Seventeen members of the Cultural Communities of Lambangian (CCOL) and the Office of the Teduray Lambangian Ancestral Claim (OTLAC), sought assistance and dialogue with the military, with Besana representing his superior, Gen. dela Vega, in the meeting held at CMO office here Tuesday.
The tribal leaders said last Christmas was not a joyous celebration for the Tedurays, an Indigenous group in the province, due to attacks of the BIFF.
Three Teduray homes were torched on Christmas Day by the BIFF, the Army said.
“And again razed 18 more houses to the ground on Dec. 31, 2017 near Mt. Firis, a sacred site for Tedurays at sitio Makon, Barangay Kabintog, Datu Hoffer town,” Besana said.
“These peaceful Teduray farmers in their fertile ancestral domain are afraid for their lives now for they do not know when will be the next attack of BIFF.” (PNA)
