No imminent threat in Metro Manila after death of alleged BIFF members

From CNN Philippines (Jun 20, 2023): No imminent threat in Metro Manila after death of alleged BIFF members (By CNN Philippines Staff)

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 20) — The police force has not monitored any imminent threat in Metro Manila following the recent deaths of a high-profile suspect and six other alleged members of the extremist group Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Maguindanao Del Sur.

MGen. Edgar Okubo, chief of the National Capital Region Regional Police Office (NCRPO), said they are conducting intelligence monitoring and they do not see any threat spilling over to Metro Manila.

"Medyo mahihirapan sila mag-transgress dito especially we are preparing and gearing up with the SONA," said Okubo, referring to the BIFF. "Mas humihigpit pa yung security deployment natin until and after the celebration natin of the SONA. We are also checking intelligence reports, intelligence fusions at wala naman kaming nakitang spillover ng threat na papasok sa National Capital Region."

[Translation: They will have a hard time transgressing here, especially since we are preparing for the SONA, where security is tighter. We are not seeing any spillover of threat to NCR.]

The PNP on Tuesday said its personnel implemented a search warrant in the residence of Nasser Yossef M. Hussain alias Tutin Usop, who is said to be a known member of the BIFF-Karialan Faction, in Brgy. Damawato, Datu Paglas on June 18.

It said the operation led to an armed encounter that resulted in deaths of Hussain and other alleged BIFF members Norjihad M. Husain alias Datdat Yusop, Manex Rakim, Moris Madidis, Dela Singkalan, Cocoy P. Pagagungan; and an unidentified cohort.

Special Action Force tropper PCpl Artchen Echavia was also wounded in the encounter and is currently recuperating.

It added a significant number of firearms and ammunition were also seized during the operation.

CNN Philippines correspondent Gerg Cahiles contributed to this report.

https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2023/6/20/BIFF-Maguindanao-Metro-Manila-security.html