The Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Cirilito Sobejana urged residents and local government officials in Maguindanao on Sunday (May 9) to remain vigilant despite hostilities of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).
“I enjoin the populace of and local leaders in Maguindanao to remain vigilant as we continue our watch until peace is stabilized,” said Sobejana.
Joint Task Force (JTF) Central has prevented armed BIFF extremists led by Mohiden Animbang aka ‘Karialan’ from launching offensives against civilians in Datu Paglas and recovered four improvised explosive devices (IEDs) at the national highway during the cleaning operations.
“The extremist groups were forced to withdraw in the same morning after security forces were able to isolate the area. The national highway was again open for public commuters at around 10:30 a.m. of the same day after the clearing of the area was confirmed by security forces,” JTF Central spokesperson Lt. Col. John Baldomar said.
BIFF Karialan had been involved in the IED explosions in Datu Saudi Ampatuan in March 2021 and caused the death of two civilians and wounding of two others.
“The situation has already normalized but we will not rest until the threat is neutralized,” Gen. Sobejana added. – (AFP) CF-jlo
