6ID chief cites role of civilians in thwarting terror plots

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 8): 6ID chief cites role of civilians in thwarting terror plots

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – A ranking military official underscored on Monday the role of civilians in the government's fight against terror groups.

Major Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (ID) based in Datu Odin Sinsuat town, cited the vital information provided by residents in the recent recovery of improvised bombs, neutralization of bombing suspects, and the prevention of bombings by terror groups.

“We will continue to conduct operations with the help of the police, the local governments, and the civilians to help terrorists from harming civilians and state forces,” Sobejana said.

Sobejana noted the recent accomplishments of the 6ID and the Army-led Task Force Central, where civilian cooperation led to the prevention and recovery of powerful improvised explosive devices (IEDs) at a checkpoint in Barangay Capiton, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao, and recovery of high powered guns and powerful bombs in Datu Shariff Saydona, Maguindanao last week.

Also last week, civilians also played major roles in the recovery of powerful bombs by Philippine Marines in Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat.

“Countless innocent victims have been saved with this noble cooperation of civilians with government authorities,” Sobejana said.

“The Joint Task Force Central greatly appreciates the heightened vigilance of civilians that contributed to foiling the transport and hindered possible IED attacks by terrorists,” the military official added.

On Sunday, troopers under the Army's 601st Infantry Brigade killed one of the suspects in the August 28 and Sept. 2 twin bombings in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat that killed five and injured 48 others.

Sobejana said soldiers immediately proceeded to Barangay Kuloy, Shariff Aguak after civilians told the Army that the suspects in the Isulan bombings were at a safe house in the village.

“Violent extremism can be prevented with the vigilance of local communities. Peace spoilers will definitely think otherwise when they realize that civilians are in close coordination with government authorities,” Sobejana said.

The Islamic State-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) is being suspected to have carried out the series of bombings in the region since May this year.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1050251