THE explosive that killed a pregnant woman in Barangay Pusao, Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Maguindanao Tuesday evening belongs to the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and not to the military, an official said.
Philippine Army 6th Infantry Division spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Anhouvic Atilano said Wednesday, December 16, that based on the initial investigation, the troops conducted a fire mission against at least 20 BIFF members who were sighted in Barangay Kabinayan, Datu Salibo past 10 a.m. Tuesday.
After the fire mission, explosions were heard several meters away from the target area, and Atilano said it could have been perpetrated by the BIFF.
He said the said explosion killed Rabiyah Daman Lakim, who was hit in
the neck by the shrapnel while evacuating to safety.
"Noong chineck din kanina, based sa mga pictures... Sumabay ng putok 'yung BIFF kaya't doon tumama 'yung ano, ang suspect namin IED nila ito eh. Based doon sa impact area, ng splinter ng tama doon sa pictures na nakuha natin, kung saan tumama," he added.
On December 3, at least 50 BIFF rebels attacked the neighboring town of Datu Piang and burned a police mobile. Charges have already been filed against several BIFF members and leaders.
Government forces in Maguindanao have since been augmented to ensure the safety of the residents.
Atilano said they also beefed up the conduct of patrolling to deny the BIFF, which “continues to harass military detachment,” of staging another attack.
He urged locals to immediately report any sightings of BIFF rebels in their area. (SunStar Philippines)