Explosives, gun, shabu seized during anti-ISIS ops in Maguindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 9): Explosives, gun, shabu seized during anti-ISIS ops in Maguindanao

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao -- Government forces recovered improvised explosives, a high powered .50-caliber sniper gun and suspected shabu in separate operations over the weekend against an ISIS-inspired armed group in Maguindanao, the military here said Monday.

Captain Arvin John Encinas, Army’s 6th Infantry Division spokesman, said combined elements of Army’s 19th and 6th Infantry Battalions were conducting combat strike operations against some 20 members of an ISIS-faction of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) at the borders of two towns when they found the illegal materials.

In particular, Encinas said these were found at the escape route of BIFF armed men at the borders of Sitio Siboloy, Barangay Kuden in Talitay and Barangay Brar in Datu Anggal Midtimbang, both in Maguindanao Saturday afternoon.

"Our troops were responding to reports by civilians about the presence of ISIS-inspired local terrorist group in the area that resulted to the recovery of suspected shabu and Improvised Explosive Device mechanisms," Encinas said.

Also on Saturday, combined elements of the Army’s 22nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion and 57th Infantry Battalion, clashed with lawless elements while conducting pursuit operations in Barangay Alongangen, Datu Piang, Maguindanao.

"Government forces were responding to residents report about high-powered guns hidden in the area and about to be transferred to another site when the clashes erupted," Encinas said.

Soldiers found one high-quality, locally-made 50-caliber sniper rifle.

Major Gen. Arnel dela Vega, Army’s 6th Infantry Division commander, has commended the local residents for providing timely and vital information to authorities.

He also lauded the soldiers for their relentless campaign against lawless armed group to secure the safety of the local populace.

The successful operation was a result of the focused and intensified military operation against the local terror groups in Central Mindanao and the campaign against illegal drugs, Dela Vega, said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1012172