By Bea Bernardo
The Joint Task Force Central has ordered an intensified offensive against members of Daulah Islamiyah – Hassan Group in Maguindanao, a Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters
breakaway faction led by Salahuddin Hassan.
Western Mindanao Command Commander LtGen. Corleto Vinluan reported that military
has utilized air and artillery assets to bombard the terrorist group spotted in Barangay Saniag, Ampatuan town.
“Ground troops were also deployed to conduct focused military operations to foil the terror
plots of the said group,” Vinluan reported.
Yesterday, troops of the 1st Scout Ranger Battalion discovered three newly-abandoned
lair with foxholes in the same barangay. The hide-out is believed to be the enemy’s advance post and improvised explosive device making area.
“Our operating troops recovered three IEDs, IED components, one analogue cellular phone, and personal belongings in the area,” detailed LtCol. Raymond Rapi, Commanding Officer of 1SRB.
The military continuously conducts clearing operation in the area and manhunt against
members of the terrorist group.
Vinluan also expressed his full support to the bolstered offensives launched in Central
Mindanao and committed to deploy all available assets to defend the area and
ensure the people’s safety.