Criminal raps filed vs. BIFF members in Datu Piang attack

Criminal complaints have been filed against leaders and members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in connection with the attack in Datu Piang, Maguindanao, police said on Monday.

Police Major General Marni Marcos, who leads the Board of Inquiry that looked into the incident, said criminal complaints of multiple frustrated murder and destructive arson were filed with the Maguindanao Provincial Prosecutor's Office against Salahuddin Hasan, Animbang "Karialan" Indong, and 133 others last December 11.

On the evening of December 3, some 50 armed men believed to be members of the BIFF and Dawlah Islamiya attacked Datu Piang's Barangay Poblacion area.

An initial probe indicated that the armed men were targeting the town's chief of police, Police Captain Israel Bayaona.

No casualties were reported among security forces and civilians. The attackers,  however, burned a police vehicle.

No adjustments, lack of coordination

Based on the results of the probe, Marcos said Bayaona had received the intelligence report of the attack hours before the incident transpired. He said there was a lack of appreciation in the gathered intelligence regarding the terror plans of the BIFF.

"No adjustment of the Datu Piang MPS personnel strength and capabilities, and no strategic deployment of PNP Mobile Forces had been made," Marcos said.

"There [was] lack of coordination and intelligence validation with the AFP counterparts and other stakeholders in the area," he added.

Marcos also bared that there were incidents that happened prior to the December 3 attack. He mentioned the arrest of two BIFF members who threw a hand grenade in front of the Datu Piang Municipal Police Station last May 3, which resulted in the damage of vehicles owned by cops.

Marcos said the complaints against suspects Guialil Sultan and Baguinda Mohamad Candado, who were BIFF members under one Commander Kagui Bayan, have been dismissed due to lack of evidence.

Marcos also said the BIFF and Dawlah Islamiya have been declared persona non grata in the entire province of Maguindanao through a resolution dated November 24. — RSJ, GMA News