Military believes spate of BIFF violence diversionary tactic

From the Daily Tribune (Nov 21): Military believes spate of BIFF violence diversionary tactic

Amid the recent spate of atrocities staged by the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighter (BIFF) in Central Mindanao, Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. went to Maguindanao to personally receive operational updates from military troops there.

Catapang, in his message to troops of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division , ordered for relentless military operation against the BIFF, which he branded as “spoilers of peace.”

“The BIFF are spoilers of the peace process. We will continuously conduct law enforcement operations against them,” said Catapang.

Catapang said that he wants to receive operational updates regarding recent spate of atrocities in Central Mindanao attributed to the BIFF, a breakaway faction of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front which is talking peace with the government.

The Army recorded a series of IED attacks and harassments against military outposts and civilian communities by the BIFF recently.

The attacks are believed to be diversionary tactics by the BIFF armed groups which are being pursued by combined elements of the Army and the police.

On Nov. 16, suspected BIFF members, led by a certain Commander Obetin, detonated an improvised bomb in a primary school in Kabacan, North Cotabato injuring 16 people and killing Monique Mentawil, 19.

Two days later at around 10 p.m., heavily-armed BIFF members led by Commander Abunawas attacked a Christian community in Sitio Lunok, Barangay Baliki in Midsayap, Maguindanao resulting in an intense firefight with villagers.

On Wednesday night, patrolling Army soldiers briefly clashed with BIFF members also in Barangay Baliki.

No one was reported hurt among the villagers or the soldiers. Traces of blood were found along the enemy’s escape route.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/military-believes-spate-of-biff-violence-diversionary-tactic