BIFF BOMB-MAKING AREA. Military troopers overran this bomb-making shanty of the extremist Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters during an operation in Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Maguindanao, on Monday (Oct. 3, 2022). Found inside the shack (inset) were improvised bomb components, BIFF documents, and personal belongings. (Photo courtesy of 601IB)
DATU ODIN SINSUAT, Maguindanao – Government forces have overrun a shanty in the middle of the marshland where extremist Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) are manufacturing improvised bombs, the Army here said Tuesday.
Col. Oriel Pangcog, the Army’s 601st Infantry Brigade chief, said terrorist materials and documents were found Monday inside a shack with bloodstains in Barangay Inaladan, Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Maguindanao.
Pangcog said the bloodstain was an indication that BIFF groups operating in the area sustained injuries in the clearing operation that started Friday last week.
“The prolonged operation also led to the recovery of improvised bombs and components in bomb-making,” he added.
Soldiers also found documents indicating that the terrorist organization is bent on sabotaging the peace process.
Government forces were pursuing the groups of Ysa Ganoy, Abdulkarim Hashim, Ben Harrsi, and Emarudin Kulay, all BIFF field commanders, during the operation.
Earlier, residents in Datu Saydona Mustapha town complained of money being taken from them by the BIFF.
Pangcog said farmers and fisherfolk have also complained that the group had prevented them from tending their farms or fishing in the marshland.
He said the government remains open to BIFF militants who wish to surrender. (PNA)
