DAVAO CITY — Two (2) suspected members of the extremist Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) – Karialan Faction, who reportedly took part in an attempt to attack the public market of Datu Paglas. were killed in a clash with government forces on on May 16, 2021.
In a press statement, Brigadier General Roy Galido, Commander of 601st Infantry Brigade disclosed that combined forces of Joint task Force Central were able to engaged with the extremist group in Barangay Mao, Datu Paglas, Maguindanao.
The ten-minute firefight started at around 5:50 in the morning but the enemiesof the state withdrew and just left the lifeless bodies of two of their comrades.
Government forces confiscated one (1) M16 rifle, several 5.56mm ammunition and magazines, war materials, and food rations at the crime scene.
It can be recalled that the same extremist group S attempted to attack the market of Datu Paglas, Maguindanao last May 8, bt their plan was foiled.
The same statement revealed that six (6) extremists have been killed while two (2) were arrested and ten (10) high powered firearms were confiscated.
The government troop did not suffer any casualty, it stated.
Some 699 families of the town were disturbed by the movement of the extremist group but they seek shelter from the government troops.
The Bangsamoro Rapid Emergency Action on Disaster Incidence (READi) under the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG), and the Provincial and Municipal Social Welfare and Development Offices of Maguindanao Province provided food assistance to families affected in the Datu Paglas, Maguindanao and other nearby towns.
Major General Juvymax Uy, Commander of JTF Central and 6th Infantry Division said they will sustain the military operations against the BIFF to avoid atrocities against the civilian populace.
“While our troops continuously pursue them, I also call on the remaining BIFF extremists to surrender and lay down their arms. Numbers of former BIFF extremists have already returned to the folds of the law and are now enjoying a peaceful life with their families under the AGILA-HAVEN Program of the Province of Maguindanao,” Maj. Gen. Uy added.
The troop , Uy stressed, is committed realize the call of President Rodrigo Duterte to help him in attaining peace in Central Mindanao before his term ends in 2022.
