Gazmin orders BIFF forces to surrender immediately

Voltaire Gazmin (Photo courtesy of PixGood)

BAGUIO CITY — As the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) are conducting a joint tactical offensive against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in North Cotabato, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin has ordered the bandit group to surrender immediately.

He warned that failing to do so would will result on the BIFF being exposed to the overwhelming firepower and might of the military.

Reports said the BIFF forces have already experienced severe casualties.

Gazmin said that the plan is to effectively neutralize the bandit group.

“If they will surrender, that’s fine, but if they will resist, the government will throw everything it has against them,” the DND chief said in Filipino.

He added that the quick surrender of the group will ensure peace and prevent further bloodshed.

Government and MILF forces conducted operations against the BIFF in an effort to neutralize and bring peace to areas being affected by the brigands.

Gazmin said that the MILF requested support from the military, in the form of artillery, air support, and blocking units, in its drive against the BIFF.

The DND chief added that there is no deadline for the ongoing operations against the bandits.