Army announces BIFF base capture; rebel forces say otherwise

From GMA News (Jul 17): Army announces BIFF base capture; rebel forces say otherwise

The Philippine Army over the weekend said it has captured the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters' (BIFF) base in Datu Unsay, Maguindanao, but rebel forces maintain that the area continues to be one of their strongholds.

According to 601st Infantry Brigade Chief Col. Lito Sobejana, the BIFF stronghold on the Datu Unsay-Shariff Aguak border was overtaken by the Army after a four-day air and ground assault that killed 33 rebels and left 10 wounded on Friday.

Sobejana noted, however, that bomb experts will have to clear the area from UXO or unexploded ordnance—bombs, bullets, shells, grenades, and such that have not exploded—that may have been left in the area.

"Civilians told us the BIFF littered the community with at least a dozen IEDs [improvised explosive devices]... The MILF [Moro Islamic Liberation Front] in the area sought the Army's help in clearing the area of unexploded ordnance before civilians can return home," he said.

Sought for comment, the BIFF denied that the group lost 33 freedom fighters and that the army captured its stronghold, maintaining that the area continues to host their camps.

For their part, residents said they are still hesitant to return to the area in fear of conflict.

"We will not return home yet. We are afraid the freedom might return and another war erupts," Tilak Tasil, a resident in the area, said. 

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/574045/news/regions/army-announces-biff-base-capture-rebel-forces-say-otherwise