Military launches airstrike vs Bangsamoro fighters in Maguindanao
THE military on Sunday launched an airstrike against members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), which disabled a bomb factory.
Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Philippine Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said the airstrikes, which started at 4 a.m., were ongoing as of posting time.
“The only information I can provide is that we were able to destroy the main IED (improvised explosive device) factory in Southern Liguasan,” Sobejana told reporters.
“So, it is a big loss [for the BIFF]on their IED emplacements in crowded areas. Our clearing [operations]is ongoing,” he said.
Sobejana said the target that was described as simply being near the Liguasan Marsh was not determined immediately although the area was near SK Pendatun, Maguindanao and Pikit, North Cotabato.
Under attack is the BFF faction of Esmail Abubakar alias Commander Bungos.
Sobejana also said that no civilian casualties have been recorded, saying the military was able to “preserve” the peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
After disabling the IED factory of the BIFF, Sobejana said the military has raised a Philippine flag.
“We cannot account if there were enemies killed since [the marsh]is composed of water. Maybe, some of them have drowned,” Sobejana said, adding that from 60 to 100 freedom fighters were in the area. DEMPSEY REYES
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