8 BIFF killed as Army discover 2 camps in Maguindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 13): 8 BIFF killed as Army discover 2 camps in Maguindanao

Eight lawless elements were killed and a temporary encampment was captured during air and ground assaults in Maguindanao, the military here said.

Capt. Joann Petinglay, speaking for the 6th Infantry Division, said two areas in Maguindanao were subjected to massive offensive Thursday as the military-led Task Force Central intensified its offensives against Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

Petinglay said at about 7 a.m., two Mechanized Platoons under 1st Mechanized Brigade, Joint Task Force Central, conducted clearing operation at Sitio Tatapan, Barangay Kitango, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao.

The government forces captured a temporary encampment that yielded seven 60 mm mortar fuses, one ballistic helmet, gun powder suspected ammonium nitrate placed in a plastic container, one short magazine steel for M-16 Armalite rifle, one roll of electrical wire and assorted cell phone parts.

Petinglay said on the same day at 11 a.m., the operating troops were also able to chance upon another temporary encampment in the area where they have seen the following: one battery pack of Harris HH Tactical radio, PNP uniform, combat pack and combat boots.

She added that at about 9:30 a.m., another operational area was targeted with two MG-520 helicopters were providing air support to ground troops in Barangay Tee, Datu Salibu, Maguindanao in response to the information that BIFF under Karialan was in the area.

When the BIFF fired at the military air assets, the military confirmed the BIFF presence.

Immediately, Col del Rosario, commander of the 1st Mechanize Brigade, requested for close air support from four MG-520s and two SF-260s TF (Layang) from Tactical Operations Group (Air Force 12), Philippine Air Force.

She said the aircraft delivered rockets and machine gun fires towards the enemy who were also firing at the air crafts.

After two helicopter sorties, the 1st Mechanized Brigade delivered indirect fires from Datu Piang and Salbu fire bases.

At past 12 noon, infantry troops were sent to scour the area and check on the enemy.

At past 6 p.m. on the same day, airstrike and artillery fires were delivered at Sitio Nemao, Barangay Balanaken, Datu Piang, Maguindanao which resulted to the death of eight BIFF members.

Quoting Task Force Central commander Maj. Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan, Petinglay said the recent engagements had greatly weakened the capability of the BIFF to fight back against the government forces.

"The BIFF fighters are now disoriented and will eventually experience shortage of ammunition and logistics," she said.

Petinglay said the positive and timely reporting of concerned civilians on the location of the BIFF is responsible for the calculated movements and actions of the operating forces in the area.

Pangilinan is hoping that civilians will continue to be cooperative so that the remnants of the BIFF will be finished up and the operations be done the soonest.

"We want this conflict over the soonest possible time because we know how difficult it was for internally displaced persons," Petinglay said.

"Our troops are also tired and physically slow but will perform its task as long as necessary," she said.

 http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=744315