The military has killed at least 45 members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in at least four areas in Maguindanao province as operations against the terrorist group intensify, Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said Sunday.
Sobejana said 28 others terrorists were injured in the month-long security operations aimed at neutralizing the BIFF. Four soldiers were killed and 20 others were wounded.
On Sunday, BIFF rebels detonated a roadside bomb wounding three soldiers who were maneuvering towards the direction of rebel positions reportedly led by BIFF sub-commander Samad Simpay under the Bungos faction.
Sobejana said fighting was still raging the other day and Army troops continued to pursue the BIFF who sent reinforcements in Shariff Aguak, Pagatin (Datu Piang), Mamasapano and Salibo.
He said Army blocking forces were mobilized to intercept the BIFF back-up force while artillery fire pinned down the rebel fighters.
Sobejana, who became commander of 6th ID May 26, has initiated no let-up operations against the BIFF who continue attack military posts and civilian targets.
“For as long as they still exist, I will not stop, it will continue,” said Sobejana of the BIFF, adding that he had enough forces to sustain the operations.
“We are doing our best effort to put a rapid conclusion to this problem, because the more we prolong it, the more it prolongs the agony of many civilians in Maguindanao,” Sobejana said.
Sobejana’s has been successful in operations against the Abu Sayyaf Group.
“I’m trying my best, just like what I did in Sulu,” Sobejana said.
He said operations will be deliberate to avoid collateral damage.
In recent operations, 28 firearms and 10 explosive devices were seized from the rebels, and a factory for making bombs was destroyed.
The operations also netted 10 drug suspects, 14 grams of shabu worth P1.3 million and two hand grenades.