Army ends offensives vs. BIFF in Maguindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 7, 2019): Army ends offensives vs. BIFF in Maguindanao

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao -- The military here announced Wednesday the termination of surgical operations against the Islamic State-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Maguindanao, paving the way for the return of internally-displaced persons back to their homes.

Lt. Colonel Roberto Breboneria, speaking for the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6th ID), said Major Gen. Diosdado Carreon, 6th ID chief and head of Joint Task Force Central (JTFC), has ordered the cessation of operations starting Sunday, Aug. 4.

“The BIFF is already out of the area,” Breboneria said, referring to the “SPMS box” where the BIFF were reported massing up before the military offensive that commenced last July 25.

“SPMS box” is a military term for the adjoining towns Saudi Ampatuan, Pagatin (Datu Salibo), Mamasapano and Shariff Aguak in Maguindanao where the BIFF are often sighted on its peripheries.

Breboneria said that the Army is currently helping the officials of the affected towns bring back the displaced families to their respective communities using military trucks.

At least, 15 BIFF fighters and a soldier were killed after the military launched air and ground assaults against BIFF in the boundary of North Cotabato and Maguindanao on July 25 and the series of skirmishes thereafter.

In a radio interview, Breboneria appealed to residents to alert the military if they notice lawless elements roaming in their communities.

He also urged the public to remain vigilant and be watchful of possible retaliatory attacks by the BIFF through roadside bombings and other terror acts.

Some 1,500 civilian families or 7,500 individuals were displaced by the two-week military campaign against the BIFF radicals in the province.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1077230