Zamboanga City- -Ten members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters were slain in a series of airstrikes launched by the Joint Task Force Central in Maguindanao.
Elements of the 57th Infantry Battalion reinforced fighters of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces-Moro Islamic Liberation Front, who were engaging factions of the Daesh-inspired group in Barangay Tee, Datu Salibo, Maguindanao at 10:28am Sunday (September 3).
The military airstrike yielded to the deaths of 10 BIFF fighters and an undetermined number of wounded on the enemy side.
Meanwhile, two BIAF-MILF members were slain in a clash with the BIFF fighters. The casualties were identified as Butukan Bungayen alias Mantukan Bungayen, and Jojo Sampayan.
“The airstrikes were employed by our operating troops with the end state of destroying the strongholds of terrorists, thus, depriving them of means to support their nefarious ploys, which are not limited to their IED-making activities and training of recruits,” said Major General Arnel Dela Vega, commander of the JTF Central.
The said operation ended at 2:20 pm of the Monday. On Monday, September 4, Air Force assets launched series of airstrikes targeting BIFF lairs as MILF members continue to engage the bandits in Barangay Tee, Datu Salibo.
“These combat operations are necessary measures taken by the MILF members against terror groups operating in Maguindanao. We laud the liberation front’s leadership for supporting the government’s drive for peace to thrive in Mindanao against terrorism, criminalities and drugs,” said Lieutenant General Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command.
“We hope this call for peace would resonate and encourage more groups, organizations, and Filipinos to join the government in combating terrorism, and illegal drugs” added Lieutenant General.
“It will not be limited only to combat operations but also non-combat and humanitarian efforts to prevent recruitment of our youth and other vulnerable sectors.”
