Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 10) — The chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines claimed that the clash with over 20 Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) over the weekend could be a diversionary tactic from the military's focus on other areas in Maguindanao.
Speaking to CNN Philippines' The Source , AFP chief Gen. Cirilito Sobejana on Monday said the BIFF group which occupied the Datu Paglas town market on Saturday is a splinter group that is among those who are looking at vacuum areas in the province with no military presence.
"Ang intention nila, as we assess, is to divert our attention," Sobejana said. "Itong 20 is just a splinter group of Bangsamoro (Islamic) Freedom Fighters."
[Translation: Their intention, as we assess, is to divert our attention. The 20 is just part of a splinter group of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.]
"Gusto nilang ma-divert ang ating attention by doing perceived attacks para ma-sway yung ating direction," he also said. "Nakikita namin isa ito sa ginagawang tactics, techniques and procedures."
[Translation: They wanted to divert our attention by doing perceived attacks to sway our direction. We see this as part of their usual tactics, techniques and procedures.]
Four BIFF members presumed injured
No deaths and property damage were reported. But Sobejana said at least four BIFF members were believed to be injured after an exchange of fire between them and the rebel group, based on reports of civilians who witnessed the encounter.
"Based on observations of some of the civilians, merong apat na binubuhat na (there were four of the rebels who were being carried and) we presumed were wounded," he said.
READ: Maguindanao town 'under control' after BIFF gunmen cause stir, fight with troops
At least four improvised explosive devices were also retrieved in the area.
Meanwhile, residents who evacuated are now returning to their homes after government troops declared that the situation is "under control."
Sobejana clarified that a hot pursuit operation is ongoing to locate the 20 who headed toward Liguasan Marsh. He said they are improving marshland operations capability. The military is also adjusting its operations to monitor the main group while other contingency forces can monitor the vacuum areas within the province, he added.
He added that simultaneous security operations are also ongoing to track the activities of other terrorist groups in Bangsamoro, in the island provinces of Sulu, Basilan, and other areas of Mindanao.
Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, 6th Infantry Division commander, said in a public briefing that operations also ongoing against Dawlah Islamiya. Stakeholders and local government units are coordinating to help secure the province and prevent terrorist recruitment.
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Military sees 'diversionary tactic' behind Maguindanao clash with BIFF; 4 presumed injured - CNN Philippines
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