GOVERNMENT forces apprehended seven members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in the province of Maguindanao, military officials said Wednesday, December 9.
Lieutenant General Corleto Vinluan Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), said the seven BIFFs were arrested around 12:15 p.m. Tuesday in Sitio Barugot in the Mother Tuayan village, Datu Hoffer, Maguindanao.
Vinluan said the troops of the 40th Infantry Battalion (IB) were conducting combat clearing operation when they chanced upon seven gunmen who introduced themselves as members of the 105th Base Command of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
"When our troops asked for any proof that they are legitimate members of the said group, subject personalities failed to show their identification which prompted the troops to apprehend them and confiscate their firearms and other war materials," Vinluan said.
He said they were taken to the Maguindanao police for proper disposition.
Lieutenant Colonel Rogelio Gabi, commander of the 40IB, said the operating troops confiscated from the seven BIFFs two M1 Garand rifles, one M-14 rifle, one M4 rifle, and other war materials.
Gabi said the firearms and war materials were placed under the custody of the Division Tactical Command Post (TCP) at the Old Provincial Capitol, Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao.
Colonel Ferdinand Lacadin, officer-in-charge of the 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade, has directed the 40IB and 1st Mechanized Battalion to continuously conduct combat clearing operations in the area to possibly neutralize more BIFF militants.
Major General Juvymax Uy, commander of the 6th Infantry Division, has commended the operating troops for remaining vigorous and determined in sustaining the peace in central Mindanao. (SunStar Zamboanga)