Clearing operations against BIFF still ongoing – AFP

Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (Photo courtesy of the Institute for the Study of Violent Groups; www.isvg.org)

MANILA — Despite the capture and destruction of a Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters bomb-making facility in Mamasapano town, Maguindanao Sunday, law enforcement operations against the BIFF continue.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief Lt.

Col. Harold Cabunoc Tuesday said the offensive against the bandit group started some two weeks ago, which included clearing the many islets in Linguasan Marsh where the BIFF might have fled after taking heavy casualties in the ongoing government offensive.

The 601st Infantry Brigade, commanded by Col. Melquiades Feliciano, heads the military efforts.

Cabunoc also said that they were coordinating with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, local government officials and residents in the area to validate the reported sightings of five foreign terrorists fleeing with BIFF members.