Arrested ‘BIFF member’ yields 7 firearms in NoCot

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 11, 2021): Arrested ‘BIFF member’ yields 7 firearms in NoCot (By Edwin Fernandez)

SEIZED. The assorted high-powered firearms seized from an alleged member of the Daesh-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) following the Army-led law enforcement operation in Pikit, North Cotabato on Saturday (April 10, 2021). The firearms consisted of an M16 rifle, M14 rifle, M1 Garand rifle, two 12-gauge shotguns, a .45 caliber pistol, a .38 caliber revolver, and ammunition. (Photo courtesy of 6ID)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – Military and police forces arrested a suspected member of the lawless Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and seized seven high-powered firearms and ammunition in North Cotabato, the Army here announced Sunday.

Lt. Col. Rommel T. Mundala, commander of the Army’s 90th Infantry Battalion (90IB), led the operation along with 62nd Division Reconnaissance Company, the police’s Special Action Force, against a certain Taoki Payapat alias Alvin, an alleged BIFF member, in Barangay Langayen, Pikit, North Cotabato on Saturday afternoon.

Seized from Payapat were one M16 rifle, one M14 rifle, one M1 Garand rifle, two 12-gauge shotguns, one .45 caliber pistol, one .38 caliber revolver, and assorted ammunition.

Brig. Gen. Roberto S. Capulong, 602nd Infantry Brigade commander, attributed the success of the law enforcement operation on the close and constant coordination of all security forces in the area.

“After the clearing operation, all the recovered pieces of evidence were placed under proper custody while appropriate charges were filed by the police against the suspect,” Capulong said.

For his part, Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, the Army’s 6th Infantry Division commander, commended the security forces involved in the successful joint law enforcement operation.

“Let us continue our fight against terrorism and preserve the peace by securing the communities under our joint area of operation against all lawless elements,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1136396