A major encampment of the lawless Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom
Fighters (BIFF) was captured by government forces after an overnight artillery
offensives in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, the Army Monday said.
The military also foiled an attempt by BIFF bandits to set
off an improvised explosive device along a road used by the military in
Barangay Pinang, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao Monday morning.
The camp was found in Barangay Dasikil, Mamasapano,
Maguindanao.
Capt. Joann Petinglay, speaking for the 6th Infantry
Division, said elements of Army-Marines-Police Joint Task Force Central found
the camp on Sunday but BIFF bandits were no longer around.
The camp, composed of 18 shanties and semi-concrete houses
were found in a three-hectare area near the marshland.
“Government forces seize an enemy encampment and an
improvised explosive devices factory in the area which is said to be of
Mohammad Ali Tambako’s group, a former BIFF leader who was monitored recently
seen with the BIFF,” Petinglay said in a statement.
The area was subjected to artillery offensive on Saturday
night, Petinglay said.
“Assorted war materials were recovered from the encampment
including IED making components which clearly connotes that the group has been
involved in IED making, training and manufacturing,” she said.
Petinglay, citing intelligence reports, said Mohammad Ali
Tambako, deputy of BIFF founding chair Uztads Ameril Umbra Kato, bolted from
Kato’s group and formed his own but later rejoined his companions.
“Tambako was monitored to be there before the artillery
offensives,” Petinglay said. “Obviously, they fled overnight Saturday.”
Among those recovered by joint government forces were 60 mm
and 81 mm mortar fuse and bomb making materials and fatigue uniforms with BIFF
markings.
Early Monday morning, government forces foiled bombing
attempt by BIFF in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao after a civilian reported
what he believed was an improvised bomb along a highway in Sitio Panang,
Barangay Kabingi, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao.
"A civilian informed authorities at 6:45 a.m. today
about a bag at a roadside which he suspected to be a bomb," Petinglay
said.
“We believed the suspect was targeting military vehicles
passing by the village,” Petinglay said of the IED which was detonated by Army bomb
experts.
Also on Sunday, Major General Edmundo Pangilinan, 6th
Infantry Division chief, awarded Wounded Personnel Medal to three members of
the Marine Battalion Landing Team (MBLT-6) who were wounded during the
government forces offensives against BIFF in Barangay Maitumaig, Datu Unsay,
Maguindanao.
Awarded were S/Sgt. Henry B. Blas, Sgt. Anthony M. Fuentes
and Cpl. Menjamin H. Hailid who were confined at the Camp Siongco
Hospital
The Army, Marines and Maguindanao police have launched
Friday an all out offensive against BIFF in Maguindanao with the Moro Islamic
Liberation Front (MILF) which is talking peace with the national government,
giving way to military operation.
At least six BIFF were killed and three soldiers wounded in
the military action against the lawless groups since Friday.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=740493
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