AFP: All-out offensive vs. BIFF nearing end; 117 rebels killed

After the arrest of former Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighter vice president and Justice for Islamic Movement founder Mohamad Ali Tambako, the Armed Forces of the Philippines on Tuesday said the all-out offensive in Maguindanao is nearing its end.

 

At a press briefing, AFP public affairs chief Lt. col. Harold Cabunoc said that compared to the past few weeks, the rebel side has lessened their aggresiveness against the military.

 

"Sa observation ng ating ground commanders, hindi kagaya dati na nakikipagsabayan sila sa automatic fires, at hindi kagaya dati na umuulan ng bala, 'yung rifle grenade, maging ang kanilang mortars, wala na," he said.

 

"Paisa-isang putok na lang, and small groups na lang sila umaatake, nagtitipid ng bala," he added. "Indikasyon ito na pahina nang pahina na sila."

 

He, however, did not specify as to when the all-out offensive will end. But he noted that after the clearing operations, they will conduct "holding operations."

 

"Iyan 'yung pag-return ng mga residente sa kani-kanilang tirahan," he explained. "Ang local government ang magde-decide kung safe na silang bumalik."

 

Meanwhile, Cabunoc said that as of Tueday, 117 rebels have been killed in the ongoing operations, with 47 of them identified. He added that 53 BIFF members are also wounded.

 

Among those killed was a BIFF member, identified as a certain Karie Uga Dia, 18 years old.

Cabunoc said the rebel died in an encounter with the Philippine Marines in Barangay Pusao, Sharif Saidona Mustapha, Maguindanao at 6:15 p.m. on Monday.

 

The rebel was later claimed by his parents Kagi Dia and Kalimadak Uda Dia, he added.

 

The military has launched offensive operations against Basit Usman and the members of the BIFF involved in the Jan. 25 encounter with the Philippine National Police Special Action Force in Barangay Tukanalipao in Mamasapano town. The encounter cost the lives of 44 SAF troopers.

 

The target of the operation was to arrest suspected Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir alias Marwan and Usman. Marwan was believed to have been killed during the operation but Usman managed to escape.

 

The military offensives are being conducted in four towns in Maguindanao: Salibo, Pagatin, Mamasapano and Shariff Aguak, or the “SPMS box,” where BIFF members are believed to have retreated with Usman. — RSJ, GMA News