Soldiers, tanks deployed along Maguindanao road

MAGUINDANAO, Philippines – The Army’s 6th Infantry Division (ID) yesterday deployed tanks along the Cotabato-General Santos Highway here to thwart any attacks by the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

Army intelligence sources said the deployment was prompted by reports that the BIFF is planning to carry out attacks to worsen security problems caused by a recent encounter in Mamasapano town, which left 44 Special Action Force police officers dead.

Capt. Jo-Ann Petinglay, spokesperson for the Army’s 6th ID, said the deployment of tanks and soldiers were meant to protect commuters.

The Army also tightened security on hills overlooking the highway, which cuts through several towns in the first and second districts of Maguindanao.

Local leaders informed soldiers that a group of armed men on motorcycles were spotted in the area last Friday.

“We want to ensure the safety of Muslims, Christians and lumad people passing through the highway,” Petinglay said.