We’re ready to face AFP – BIFF

From the Manila Bulletin (Feb 11): We’re ready to face AFP – BIFF

The Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) yesterday declared it was ready to face the military in the wake of the announcement of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that it will pursue offensive operations against all armed groups in Central Mindanao.

In Sulu, six suspected Abu Sayyaf men were killed in a clash with Marines.

BIFF spokesman Abu Misry, in an exclusive interview, said that with the group’s forces and arsenal intact, they are ready to face the military.

“Hindi namin sila (military) pipigilan. Handang-handa na po kami,” Misry emphasized during the exclusive interview.

Over the weekend, 6th Infantry Division (6th ID) spokesman Col. Dick Hermoso said that the AFP will pursue law enforcement operations against all armed groups in Central Mindanao, including the BIFF.

These BIFF members, 6th ID spokesperson added, have standing warrants of arrest.

Misry said their forces are still in their respective areas despite the massive military operations staged by the AFP late in January until the start of this month.

But the military claimed that more than 50 BIFF combatants were killed during the operations that resulted in I the recovery of a BIFF camp in Maguindanao.

However, Misry continue to deny the military reports by claiming that BIFF did not suffer casualties during the operations.

“Wala namang nalaglag sa amin. Nandyan pa rin ang aming pwersa at handa palagi yan,” Misry added.

Contrary to military reports, Misry told the Manila Bulletin that no camp was captured by the military since the BIFF has no camp in the area.

“Bahay ni Ustadz Abuhajam Indala ang nakubkob nila. Walang kampo doon. Mismo, tatlong mayors ng Maguindanao ang nagsabi na walang kampo ang BIFF doon,” Misry added.

But Misry refused to confirm when asked on the present strength of the BIFF in terms of combatants and military arsenal.

He also told the Manila Bulletin that Ameril Umbra Kato remains the head of their group.

“Siya pa rin ang pinuno namin, masaya siya ngayon at malakas”, Misry confirmed.

•Sayyaf Chief Hurt

Meanwhile in the Sulu clash, Col. Jose Johriel Cenabre, 2nd Marine Brigade commander, said they received information that Middle East-trained Yasser Igasan, who succeeded Khaddafy Janjalani as leader of the Abu Sayyaf, was wounded during the firefight.

Cenabre said the fighting broke out around 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Barangay Mabahay, Talipao town.

Prior to the clash, Cenabre said the military has been monitoring activities of the ASG in the barangay.

“We succeeded… without any collateral damage,” he added.

No casualty was reported on the government side.

http://www.mb.com.ph/were-ready-to-face-afp-biff/