BIFF warns of more attacks in Mindanao

(Photo produced by Kawal Pinoy from Internet Sources)

by Alexander D. Lopez

Published in mb.com.ph

Davao City – The Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) warned of launching more attacks against government troopers and installations in Mindanao following the series of clashes in the provinces of Maguindanao and North Cotabato.

BIFF Abu Misry Mama, in an interview with the Manila Bulletin here on Wednesday morning, said target areas will include North Cotabato – particularly Midsayap town, and other provinces in Mindanao.

Abu Misry also claimed responsibility over the attacks to Army detachments in Datu Piang and Sharif Saydona towns, and also in Aleosan, North Cotabato.

He, however, denied the military’s statement that 17 of their men were killed during the series of clashes.

“Apat lang po sa aming tauhan ang namatay sa labanan na tinamaan ng landmine, at dalawa ang sugatan (Only four of our men were killed during the fighting who were hit by landmine, and two were wounded),” Abu Misry said.

He also denied that a high-ranking BIFF officer was among the fatalities during the series of attacks as announced by the military.

“Walang City Hunter doon sa apat na namatay na tauhan namin sa sagupaan (No City Hunter was among those four that were killed during the encounter),” he clarified.

Abu Misry also told the Manila Bulletin that the attack in Maguindanao was retaliatory move to the alleged abduction by the military of a father-and-son at the detachment in Datu Onsay town.

He only identified the victims as a certain Mohamad and Mahid that remain missing.

“Sila ay kinuha ng military doon sa detachment sa Mita sa Datu Onsay (They were taken by the military at the detachment in Mita in Datu Onsay)” Abu Misry claimed, adding that the victims were civilians and not members of the BIFF.

He also claimed that the recent attacks were part of the long-term plan of the BIFF of intensifying their offensives against the military and other government targets.

“Magpapatuloy itong aming pag-atake hanggang sa makamit namin ang aming ipinaglalaban (The attacks will continue until we realize what we have been fighting for), Abu Misry pointed out.

http://www.mb.com.ph/biff-warns-of-more-attacks-in-mindanao/