Camp Siongco, Maguindanao – Forces from the Joint Task Force Central (JTF Central) successfully thwarted the atrocities of extremist groups coming from the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) – Karialan Faction in the town of Datu Paglas, Maguindanao on May 8, 2021. Brigadier General Roy Galido, Commander of 601st Infantry Brigade, disclosed that for the past days, said BIFF group under Karialan numbering to almost 20 members has been the target of military operation after few reports were received that said group is planning to conduct atrocities in the nearby towns in Maguindanao. Government forces managed to intercept the said group in Datu Paglas in the early morning of May 8, while the extremists elements passes along Datu Paglas, Maguindanao. “Without the prompt and deliberate action of the security forces, the situation could have worsened,” BGen. Galido said.
The extremist groups were forced to withdraw in the same morning after security forces were able to isolate the area. Further, 4 improvised explosive devices were recovered by the security forces which were laid along the route of the withdrawing extremist group. The national highway was again open for public commuters around 10:30 in the morning of the same day after the clearing of the area was confirmed by security forces.
Likewise, Major General Juvymax Uy, Commander of the JTF Central and 6th Infantry Division, express the unquestionable commitment of the entire forces under JTF Central and 6ID, PA to address and finish the threat posed by local terrorist groups as mandated by President Rodrigo Duterte before his term ends in 2022. “The situation in the Datu Paglas is now back to normal in the morning of May 8 without any civilian casualties and damage to properties. The extremist group is on the run and our troops continuously conduct pursuit operation against them,” he explained.
It can be recalled that last March 17, 2021, the BIFF Group under @Karialan was also involved in several atrocities in Barangay Kitango, Datu Saudi Ampatuan and on the series of IED explosions on 28 and 30 April 2021 that caused the death of 2 female civilians and wounding other two civilians in the same barangay.
MGen Uy lauded the efforts of the security forces in preempting the recent plans and atrocities of the extremist group. “Your actions have proven your dedication and commitment to protect the Filipino people from any threat,” MGen Uy stressed.
