AFP dismantles BIFF IED factory
The military Sunday said government troops have destroyed a factory being maintained by the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) to manufacture IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices) in Southern Liguasan, Maguindanao province, following intense military operations there.
In an interview, Army 6th Infantry Division (6th ID) commander Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, said the operation started at about 4 a.m. Sunday when government troops launched air and ground assaults against Abu Turaife and his sub-leaders believed responsible in the production of IEDs.
Sobejana said Abu Turaife and his sub-leaders had with them about 60 to 100 combatants, many of which could have been killed or hurt as a result of the military operation.
"It started early this morning at around 4 a.m. Clearing operations are still on going," Sobejana said.
"So far the info that I can give you is that we were able to destroy the main IED factory in Southern Liguasan. So this is a big loss for them in terms of their IED emplacements in crowded areas," he added.
Sobejana described their operation to be deliberate as it is centered on a very large area.
"Our operation covered a big area. It’s not in a specific barangay, sitio or municipality because it’s scattered around the area. What we did is very deliberate and we have to make sure that innocent civilians will not be affected. We also need to ensure that we preseve the peace process with the MILF," Sobejana said.
Sobejana said troops used all available capabilities and assets to ensure victory and defeat the enemy.
"We used all capabilities, para generic, all available means. We employed reasonable force to neutralize the military target," he said.
"We have occupied the area. In fact we have raised the Philippine flag at the IED manufacturing facility," he added.
Sobejana said troops are still scouring the area in order to get more and defeat the enemy.
The BIFF is an Islamist militant organization based in Mindanao. It is a breakaway group from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) founded by Ameril Umbra Kato.