CAMP SIONGCO, AWANG, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao—In a press briefing, Maj. Gen. Arnel dela Vega, Commander of the 6th Infantry (KAMPILAN) Division, Lt. Col. Alvin Iyog, Commanding Officer of the 2nd Mechanized Battalion and Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Lauro Oliveros of 1st Mechanized Battalion presented to the media, 18 High Powered Firearms (HPFAs) and Low Powered Firearms (LPFAs) and the 5 BIFF terrorists who surrendered.
Along with the firearms are significant numbers of unassembled parts of weapons. There are 41 barrels, a number of stocks and an ample number of trigger mechanism that would double the number of seized firearms if assembled.
Military officials said the surrender of the firearms is a big loss in the part of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).
Lt. Col. Iyog said, “This is the product of heavy bombardment made by the military troopers against the terrorist inspired BIFF led by Abu Nasriah and Commander Bungos. For the last two days, there were series of operations conducted by the military troopers in the area.”
As early as 6 a.m. of April 10, 2018, the combined efforts of one (1) Mechanized Infantry Company, Alpha Company of 57 Infantry Battalion and 61st Division Reconnaissance Company led by Lt. Col. Iyog, conducted a clearing operation at Brgy, Pagatin, Shariff Saydona Mustafa, Maguindanao.
Subsequently, mortar section provided also mortar fire support while special army vehicle provided direct fire Philippine Air Force PAF also conducted close air support to the troops.
At Around 8:45 a. m., the Special operation team under 1Lt. Sandag immediately searched and scoured the area and found two (2) gun fabrication houses with high end machines and apparatus left right at the middle of swampy area. The troops braved and used Two (2) wooden canoe to gather those assorted high caliber firearms and significant parts to make weapons of war.
At Around 11:25 a.m. of the same day, troops of 1Lt Sandag and 1Lt Malana destroyed the gun. Fabricating machines by burning them.
6ID Commander, Maj. Gen. Dela Vega said “This is a substantial result of operation and organizational effectiveness which is a big blow to BIFF organization. The BIFF members are now seriously hurt with these operations. We have received reports that as early as now some of them are already demoralized. Some of them are contemplating on giving up and going back to the mainstream society.”
“This is a welcome development for us as we are aspiring for peace. In the same way that we want them to lay down their arms. To stop them from offering themselves to these nonsense effort. This is a high time for them to think it over if they want to fight it out or they want to lay down their arms, we are ready. “ the 6ID Commander added.
The seized firearms from the gun making facilities of BIFF include 3 .50cal Barrett-type Sniper Rifle (HM), 2 5.56mm SAW (Minimi), 1 M203 GL (HM), 6 5.56mm M4-type Rifle, 1 Garand Rifle, 1 .22Cal Rifle, 41 assorted barrels for M16, M14, Barrett, and others 24 pcs front sight, 21 pcs M16 bolt assembly, 17 pcs M16 flash suppressor, 32 hand guard assy M16, 7pcs. of charging handle M16, 5 lower assembly M16, 1 trigger mechanism M203GL, 1 K3 bolt assy, 1- 2 BIPOD 4 M16 buffer spring guide, 9 assorted rifle butts, 40 pcs. M16 hand guard lock, 1 K3 gas port, 2 bipod, 16 assorted hand guards 2 K3 pouches assorted magazines, assorted empty shells, 11 boxes of assorted materials used in illegal manufacturing guns.
According to 601st Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Diosdado Carreon, who is in charge of the clearing operation, that there are Two (2) who were killed and Two (2) were wounded from the BIFF group which is yet to be verified, and Two (2) are wounded from the military troopers.
Lt. Col. Iyog, conveyed that “All our military operations is based on solid intelligence and the effort and hardships of our soldiers are not wasted. “
Maj. Gen. Dela Vega expressed, “That is very positive sign as we accelerate and sustain our campaign in recovering those loose firearms since December 1, 2017. Up to this date in Maguindanao alone have already received surrendered firearms numbering to close to Four Hundred (400) otherwise the remaining firearms is very minimal and most likely they are the ones being used by the BIFF and other lawless armed groups.”
“With the recovery of the additional Eighty 80 firearms plus a significant number will be added if assembled, it will explode at Two hundred Thirty (230) that will possibly be used this coming May election. We will expect that it is going to be a more manageable and visible barangay election.” The 6ID Commander assured the media.
“Today, for the first time, five (5) former members BIFF terror group under the faction of Commander Karialan, have surrendered to government forces with the help of the 1st Mechanized Battalion headed by their Commanding Officer Lt.Col. Lauro Oliveros PA.
One of the five former BIFF Alias Sindatu said “I want to live a new life with the help of Philippine government’s program for those who want to join the mainstream society like me. He added, “We were not given any kind of training for war. When we were recruited we were pushed already to a firefight. I was fighting under the leadership of Commander Gani at Brgy. Kulasi, Salipada K. Pendatun, Maguindanao.”
Sindatu could count on how many encounters he was able to fight against the government forces. Five (5) encounters since he joined the extremist group for the last three (3) years. Accordingly, he has contemplated on how to live a new life for almost a year. He wants a sustainable livelihood for his family.
Maguindanao Governor Esmael “Toto” Magundadatu said that “We welcome back those who want to surrender and our government is willing help them start a new life. Their children will be sent to school in order to hinder the cycle of extremism. Their wives will undergo livelihood trainings and will be given financial assistance for a new beginning.”
This success was made possible with the collaboration of The Joint Task Force Central together with the operational unit the 6th Infantry (KAMPILAN) Division , the Marine Brigade, Air Force component , the Naval component and the close collaboration with PNP counterpart CIDG ,PDEA and the support of the Local Chief Executives just to ensure the peace and order in this part of the country .
