Security forces dismantle BIFF gun factory in Maguindanao

From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 27, 2019): Security forces dismantle BIFF gun factory in Maguindanao

Government security forces seized illegal firearms, in a dawn raid of a gun factory in Barangay Poblacion, Buluan, Maguindanao, for the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.

Backed by heavily armed Army soldiers, the combined elements of the Special Action Force and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (CIDG ARMM) served the search warrant at 6:00a.m on February 15, against Abusama Abpun, 60, an illegal firearms manufacturer.

Among the seized firearms include three M4 Carbine Rifles, one M1 Carbine, six 9mm Tomgram, a 12 gauge shotgun, a tripod for Cal. 50 Heavy Machinegun, and several unassembled firearms.

SSupt James Gulmatico, the regional head of the CIDG, said that the suspect was the source of firearms for criminal elements including the BIFF.

"Our informant showed us videos of the suspect while repairing a gun owned by a BIFF member who personally brought the defective weapon," he said emphasizing that they followed legal procedures in serving the warrant.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc, commanding officer of the Army's 33rd Infantry (Makabayan) Battalion, emphasized that the campaign against lawlessness is gaining grounds.

"We have removed another logistics support source of the BIFF and other lawless elements. We will defeat them by cutting-off the sources of their weapons," he said.

In line with the latest achievement, 6ID commander Major General Cirilito Sobejana commended the troops.

"I am extending my appreciation to the soldiers and policemen who successfully implemented this law enforcement operation. We will continuously support the local government in keeping peace," Major General Sobejana said. (DPAO-6ID)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1018994