SEIZED. The firearms and other gun components seized from an abandoned lair of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in Datu Salibo, Maguindanao on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2019. (Photo courtesy of 6ID)
CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – The military here made public Friday the recovery of assorted firearms and components from a lair of the Islamic State-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in Datu Salibo town of this province.
Major Gen. Diosdado Carreon, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Central, said the firearms were seized by elements of the Army's 57th Infantry Battalion and 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion in several abandoned houses in remote Barangay Butilen, Datu Salibo at 5 a.m. Thursday.
The soldiers recovered a caliber 9mm and two caliber .45 pistols and components of long and high-powered guns and other war materials.
The firearms were believed to have been abandoned by members of the BIFF, who were subjects of a massive military manhunt since January this year.
“Soldiers continue to secure areas where armed groups operate to sow terror and fear among the peace-loving people of Mindanao,” Carreon said.
Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of Western Mindanao Command, said government forces will continue to conduct preemptive measures to ensure public safety.
“Ground forces build up security operations as preemptive measures against threats posed by lawless groups in the operational area,” Sobejana said. (PNA)
