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Army chief Sobejana calls on troops to be vigilant vs. BIFF
Philippine Army chief Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana on Thursday ordered government forces to keep an eye on the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) to avoid the atrocities caused by the group in the Mindanao region.
"Sa ngayon naman, galing naman ako doon as a former commander of the Western Mindanao Command and the 6th Infantry Division, alam ko na they are on the run. They are just looking for opportunity na umatake kaya we will not give chances," Sobejana said in an ambush interview.
"I give that directive that we should not lower our laurels, we have to remain vigilant and watchful. Siguraduhin natin na ligtas ang ating mga kababayan sa kapahamakan brought by the BIFF," he added.
Sobejana's call came after the series of BIFF attacks in Maguindanao province.
On the evening of December 3, more or less 50 BIFF and Dawlah Islamiya members attacked Datu Piang and burned a police vehicle. No casualties were reported among troops and civilians.
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On Tuesday night, a pregnant woman was killed after an improvised explosive device, allegedly thrown by the BIFF, hit her in Barangay Pusao, Shariff Saydona Mustapha.
Army 6th Infantry Division spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Anhouvic Atilano has said patrols have been intensified in the area to prevent the harassment of the local terror group, especially at night.
Atilano has also urged the public to report to authorities the presence of BIFF members in the area and their planned attacks. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA News