BIFF ‘firearms factory’ seized in Maguindanao — Army officer

Government security forces on early Wednesday seized a "firearms factory" of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in Maguindanao, an Army battalion commander said.

Lieutenant Colonel Harold Cabunoc, commanding officer of the 33rd (Makabayan) Infantry Battalion, said combined elements of the Army including the 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion and 7th Field Artillery Battalion as well as police commandos raided the lair of the BIFF which resulted to the recovery of numerous firearms in the area.

"We specifically targeted the firearms manufacturing capability of the BIFF. It is part of our ongoing efforts in degrading their firepower as we pressure them to surrender," Cabunoc was quoted as saying in a press statement.

Recovered from the BIFF were a gunsmithing machine, two rocket-propelled grenades launchers,  a cal.-45 M1911 pistol, a 12-gauge shotgun, rifle grenades, unfinished home-made guns, and assorted ammunition.

There were 15 people who were initially held for questioning but Cabunoc said they were eventually released to local government officials.

Other suspects, meanwhile, managed to flee leaving behind the weapons and other war materiel. — Marlly Rome Bondoc/RSJ, GMA News