BIFF crippled in anti-terror ops in Mindanao

COTABATO CITY – The Army’s 6th Infantry Division said it had killed and wounded about three dozen members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters blamed for the spate of deadly attacks in the restive region of Mindanao.

Military operations launched in recent days dismantled terror mechanisms of the BIFF in Maguindanao and North Cotabato provinces where troops destroyed several weapons and bomb factories of the militant group.

Just last week, soldiers raided a BIFF hideout in Olandang village in North Cotabato’s Midsayap town and neutralized several militants.

Target of the military operation was BIFF leader Mando Mamalumpong.

Soldiers recovered an M16 automatic rifle, ammunition, two grenades and improvised explosive, including military uniform and a binocular, in the area where the gun fight occurred.

The military also recently launched an offensive in Liguasan marsh in the neighboring province of Maguindanao and killed at least 2 dozen militants.

It said the strike also destroyed a weapons’ factory of the BIFF and soldiers captured a Muslim couple.

The was ordered by Brigadier General Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the 6th Infantry Division.

The provincial governor, Esmael Mangudadatu, a staunch supporter of the military, did not release any statement on the violence in Maguindanao. The military assault also forced the Department of Education to suspend classes in four towns in the province.

Regional Education Secretary Rasol Mitmug said they continue to monitor the situation of students and teachers in General Salipada Pendatun, Pagalungan, Rajah Buayan and Montawal. He said over 1500 students and 754 teachers – both in elementary and high schools – were affected by the violence.

Governor Mujiv Hataman, of the Muslim autonomous region, has ordered social workers and emergency groups to deliver food aid to war evacuees now in different shelters in the restive province.