Camp Sionco, Maguindanao – Four members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters – Karialan faction were killed in an armed clash with government forces in the outskirts of Datu Paglas, Maguindanao early morning today, May 12, 2021. Brigadier General Roy Galido, Commander of 601st Infantry Brigade, confirmed that government forces encountered the group of BIFF – Karialan faction who were trying to evade security forces. Accordingly, the operating troops recovered 4 dead bodies belonging to the extremist group, one high powered firearm, and other war materials.
Said group has been the target of the security force’s pursuit operations in Datu Paglas and other nearby towns after clashing with military forces near the Public Market of said town last Saturday, May 8, 2021. Since then, the extremist group already suffered 4 killed and 2 were arrested with the intensified manhunt of military and police forces.
The early morning armed clash in Datu Paglas came after the visit of President Rodrigo Duterte inside the Headquarters of the 6th Infantry Division in Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao yesterday, May 11, 2021. Consequently, the President met with military area commanders and local officials of Central Mindanao and BARMM in a private meeting inside the military camp. During the meeting, the President called on the Local Chief Executives to help him (the government) in addressing the extremist and terrorist threat in Central Mindanao. He even satisfaction on the military’s dedication in protecting the civilians and communities and called on them to intensify military operations to prevent terrorist groups in attacking civilian populace and communities.
Major General Juvymax Uy, Commander of the Joint Task Force Central and 6th Infantry Division, applauded the efforts of the operating troops against the BIFF and the Daulah Islamiya. “Your efforts is a manifestation of your commitment to serve the Filipino people,” Maj. Gen. Uy said. He further stressed that the JTF Central and 6ID will continue its intensified operation against the said groups to prevent them from hurting the civilian populace and destroying infrastructures.
