DWDD: SUSTAINED OPERATIONS | BIFF slain in Maguindanao clash; IEDs recovered in Sulu

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Jan 30): SUSTAINED OPERATIONS  |  BIFF slain in Maguindanao clash; IEDs recovered in Sulu

  

CAMP NAVARRO, Calarian, Zamboanga City (DWDD) – A member of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters was slain in a five-minute armed confrontation with the troops of the Joint Task Force Central in Maguindanao on January 26.

Troops of the 61st Division Reconnaissance Company under 2nd Lieutenant Roy John Atoga encountered five BIFF members while conducting combat operation in Sitio Minanga, Barangay Bakat, Radjah Buayan, Maguindanao on Friday, January 25.

Said firefight resulted in the death of BIFF member Gabriel Amado. Amado, 49, a resident of Sitio Minanga, Barangay Bacat, Radjah Buayan, Maguindanao.

“Troops turned over the cadaver of Amado to Barangay Chairman Ebrahim Dagandal of Bakat, Radjah Buayan, Maguindanao for proper disposition,” said Major General Arnel Dela Vega, the JTF Central commander.

Troops also recovered an Improvised Explosive Device, 20 rounds of live ammunition of a shotgun, and personal belongings of the BIFF. No casualty was reported on the government troops. “The JTF Central closely monitors the movement of the BIFF factions to thwart any of their attempts to conduct violent ploys,” added MGen Delavega.

Meanwhile, Marine troops recovered two improvised explosive devices laid in two barangays in Sulu on the same day (January 26).

Elements of the Naval Task Group Sulu, Philippine Marine Ready Fleet Sulu responded and proceeded to Sitio Buling-Buling, Barangay Suh, Panamao and Barangay Bagsak, Talipao, both in Sulu after reports from concerned citizens reached their attention. The marines recovered the IEDs made of 60mm mortars and a container with ammonium nitrates with nails.

“We are still trying to trace who is responsible for laying the IEDs, the good thing however is that, our soldiers were able to preempt its explosion and the possible loss life and limbs said explosion might result into,” said Brigadier General Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Joint Task Force Sulu.

The explosive devices were brought to the headquarters of the Marine Battalion Landing Team-3 for proper disposition.

“Collaboration and cooperation between our soldiers and stakeholders on the ground resulted to this early detection of the IED,” said Lieutenant General Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

“I would like to recognize the renewed vigilance of our people in fighting extremism and violence.” “Congratulations to both JTF Central and Sulu for yet another commendable accomplishment.” JTF CENTRAL / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/01/30/sustained-operations-biff-slain-in-maguindanao-clash-ieds-recovered-in-sulu/