AFP to finish BIFF clearing operations by Saturday

MANILA, Philippines - The military aims to flush out the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Maguindanao and Cotabato by weekend to allow the displaced residents to return to their homes.

Armed Forces spokesman Brig. Gen. Joselito Kakilala said the clearing operations have been extended by three days starting Wednesday to prevent the BIFF from exerting influence in the area.

He said Armed Forces chief Gen. Gregorio Catapang Jr. approved the extension during his meeting with troops of the Western Mindanao Command and the 6th Infantry Division in Maguindanao last Tuesday.

“We would like to accomplish the clearing operations as fast as we can so that we can bring normalcy to the affected communities,” Kakilala said in a press conference Thursday.

The military, however, can still ask the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group for another extension if the clearing operations are not completed by Saturday.

More than 40,000 individuals or about 8,000 families have fled their homes because of the military’s offensives against the BIFF rebels in Central Mindanao.

The military has activated Task Force Kalinga, a unit composed of military doctors, to provide medical services to the displaced residents.

Catapang has also met with Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu to ensure the efficient and timely delivery of assistance to affected families.

Kakilala said the military aims to significantly reduce the capabilities of the BIFF within three months.

“We can decimate the capability of the BIFF. They should not have the space and time to organize tactical offensives against the government and to conduct terrorist acts like bombing of vital installations and hitting civilians,” he said. – Alexis Romero with Keith Calayag