Residents of Datu Piang, Maguindanao on Thursday night were awakened by loud gunfire which lasted for almost 15 minutes.
According to the military, no less than 40 armed members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighter attacked Datu Piang at around 11:00 p.m. and reportedly targeted the Charlie Company of the Sixth Infantry Battalion.
“Ang kanilang intent ay ang kanilang sama ng loob that they were declared persona non grata po ng provincial government po ng Maguindanao (Their intent was to air their resentment over the fact that they were declared persona non grata by the Provincial Government of Maguindanao),” WesMinCom Spokesperson LtCol. Alaric Delos Santos stated.
No injuries or casualties were reported from both parties, but the BIFF burned a patrol car of the Philippine National Police (PNP). The PNP is set to file complaints against the perpetrators.
“We assure the Datu Piang residents of intensified security measures to prevent similar threats posed by violent extremists in the future,” PNP Chief Gen. Debold Sinas guaranteed.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) explained that the incident was an isolated case amid concerns that it might end up in war.
“The armed capability of the BIFF has already declined. They are not really that strong. But as I said, this is terrorism that we are confronting and they attack,” AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Gilbert Gapay clarified.
Authorities are now conducting pursuit operations for the suspects and a joint investigation of security forces is ongoing. – Report from Bea Bernardo
