CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao, May 9 – Forces from the Joint Task Force (JTF) Central successfully thwarted the atrocities of extremist groups coming from the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) – Karialan Faction in the town of Datu Paglas, Maguindanao on Saturday (May 8).
Brig. Gen. Roy Galido, commander of 601st Infantry Brigade, disclosed that for the past days, the BIFF group under Karialan numbering to almost 20 members has been the target of military operation after they received reports that said group is planning to conduct atrocities in the nearby towns in Maguindanao.
Government forces managed to intercept the extremist group in the early morning of May 8, while passing along Datu Paglas, Maguindanao. “Without the prompt and deliberate action of the security forces, the situation could have worsened,” Galido said.
The terror group was forced to withdraw after security forces were able to isolate the area. Further, four improvised explosive devices (IED) were recovered by the security forces which were laid along the route of the withdrawing extremist group. The national highway was again open for public commuters around 10:30 a.m. of the same day after the clearing of the area was confirmed by security forces.
Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, commander of the JTF Central and 6th Infantry Division, expressed the full commitment of the entire forces under JTF Central and 6ID, Philippine Army to address and end the threat posed by local terrorist groups as mandated by President Rodrigo Duterte before his term ends in 2022.
“The situation in the Datu Paglas is now back to normal in the morning of May 8 without any civilian casualties and damage to properties. The extremist group is on the run and our troops continuously conduct pursuit operation against them,” he explained.
It can be recalled that on March 17, 2021, the BIFF Group under Karialan was also involved in several atrocities in Barangay Kitango, Datu Saudi Ampatuan and in the series of IED explosions on April 28 and 30, which left two female civilians dead and two others wounded.
Maj. Gen. Uy lauded the efforts of the security forces in preempting the plans for atrocities of the extremist group. “Your actions have proven your dedication and commitment to protect the Filipino people from any threat.” (DPAO-6ID)
Source: Philippines Information Agency (pia.gov.ph)
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