AFP chief Gapay says attack in Datu Piang 'far' from Marawi siege

Armed Forces chief General Gilbert Gapay on Friday said the attack in Datu Piang, Maguindanao Thursday night was far from what happened during the Marawi siege in 2017.

In a virtual press conference, Gapay said the attack, allegedly by members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and Dawlah Islamiya, was an isolated incident.

"Even another Marawi is highly improbable at this point in time. Because we have already learned the lessons of Marawi and we can consider what happened in Datu Piang as an isolated case and it is really far from another Marawi incident," he said.

According to Gapay, the incident, which resulted in the burning of a police vehicle, is already being investigated by the military and police.

"Whatever reason is behind it, we are still investigating it jointly with the PNP (Philippine National Police) as to the real motive. But for us it is a clear act of terror perpetrated by the BIFF," Gapay said.

Joint Task Force Central spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Anhouvic Atilano earlier said the suspects were supposedly targeting the town's police chief, Police Captain Israel Bayona.

Atilano said authorities are still checking why the police officer was being targeted by the armed men.

No casualty was reported among security forces and civilians, according to Atilano.

Gapay, meanwhile, called on the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with security forces so that the incident will not happen again.

"I urge each and everyone to cooperate, particularly the general public, our stakeholders and partners, to please continue cooperating and working with your security forces in the area so we could prevent another incident such as this," Gapay said.—AOL, GMA News