Joint Task Force (JTF) Central, and 6th Infantry Division Commander Major General Juvymax Uy assured on Monday (May 10) the continuous neutralization of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) following the attack of the BIFF members on Saturday (May 8) in Datu Paglas, Maguindanao.
In today’s Laging Handa public briefing, JTF Central Commander MGen. Uy stated that there is an ongoing “offensive operations against the local terrorist groups” which are the BIFF, and Dawlah Islamiyah.
“More than 2 months na po natin ginagawa ito dahil ito ay direktiba ng ating Pangulo,” he claimed.
MGen. Uy denied that the incident will be similar to Marawi Siege. He also disagreed with the rumors that several civilians were taken hostage, and that the BIFF has controlled the public market in the area.
“May report ang mga civilians na may presence ng BIFF sa Datu Paglas, agad-agad po tayong nag-conduct ng offensive operations para ma-neutralize itong mga grupo na ito.”
“Ang BIFF is trying to project its strength na ganoon pa sila kalakas. Ang mga grupong ito, in a very manageable situation, ang isa lang po nilang ginagawang taktika ay ang irregular warfare. Ang paggamit ng IED na ang tina-target po ay hindi lang military kundi civilian population at communities,” he explained further.
“Ang inyong Armed Forces ay palaging ginagampanan ang aming tungkulin, ang aming pag-protect sa civilian communities,” Uy assured.
Meanwhile, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Cirilito Sobejana called on the residents of Datu Paglas to be vigilant. He stated that despite the situation being “normalized,” the organization will not stop until the “threat is neutralized.”
Report from Bea Bernardo/NGS-rir
