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AFP extends clearing ops in affected areas of all-out offensive vs. BIFF

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Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. (UNTV News)

MANILA, Philippines – Datu Salibo, Pagatin, Mamasapano and Shariff Aguak – these are the areas in Maguindanao dubbed by the Philippine Army as the ‘SPMS Box’ where the camps of the 300 members of BIFF were once located.

Since the all-out offensive operations against the terrorist group BIFF was declared by Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr., a camp with a factory for bomb-making was seized.

There, the BIFF also suffered about 50 casualties.

To ensure that the residents surrounding these areas can go back home safe, the AFP extended it’s clearing operations to 3 more days.

The military’s all-out offensive law enforcement operation against BIFF was triggered last week by senseless attacks to the group led by a certain Commander Kagi Karialan in different communities of Pikit, North Cotabato.

There were also violent clashes between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and BIFF due to “rido” or clan war in Pagalungan, Maguindanao.

About 25,000 residents evacuated as an aftermath.

According to the newly appointed spokesperson of the AFP Brigadier General Joselito Kakilala, AFP has extended its clearing operations for another three days in the SPMS Box and other surrounding areas.

“General Catapang has extended the conduct of clearing operations for another three days after which we will conduct detailed assessment for our future actions,” Kakilala said.

Once the military gets rid of the armed bandits and terrorists from the affected areas, it will facilitate the safe return of the civilians back to their homes.

Kakilala also said that the MILF has supported the military’s ongoing operations and they have voluntarily relocated to stay away from the affected areas.

The AFP is confident that after declaring an all-out offensive operation against the terrorist groups, these groups will be reduced to an insignificant force and their capability to perform terror activities in Mindanao will eventually be degraded, in three to six months time. (Joan Nano / UNTV News)


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