AFP chief calls BIFF spoilers of peace

Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Gregorio Catapang. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – With the recent disturbances that Islamic extremists in Maguindanao caused, the military high command called the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters a hindrance to the peace process.

“The BIFF are spoilers of the peace process. We will continuously conduct law enforcement operations against them,” General Gregorio Pio Catapang, Armed Forces chief, said in a visit to the Philippine Army’s 6th Infantry Division in Maguindanao.

Major General Edmundo Pangilinan, 6th Infantry Division Commander, received Catapang at around 10:30 Thursday morning.

Catapang said he wanted to receive updates from the ground troops in Maguindanao after the BIFF launched bomb attacks and harassments in Maguindanao.

Lieutenant Colonel Harold Cabunoc, AFP Public Affairs chief, said the attacks were believed to be BIFF’s tactic to divert pursuers.

On Sunday BIFF members under Commander Obetin detonated an IED in a primary school in Kabacan town, injuring 16 people and killing 19-year-old Monique Mentawil.

Also, the BIFF clashed with Christian villagers on Tuesday and Army troops on Wednesday.

No casualties were reported on the civilian and government side in the two encounters, though, they found traces of blood in the escape route of the rebels.

Apart from the isolated incidents of attacks, the BIFF are also believed to harbor international terrorists Marwan and Muawiyah, and have expressed their support to the terror group Islamic State.

Catapang’s baptism of fire

During his visit, Catapang recalled his days with the 6th Infantry Division and how he saw action during his days as a junior officer.

Catapang fought in the hinterlands of Maguindanao and North Cotabato when he was still a lieutenant.

“I received my baptism of fire as a young lieutenant here,” Catapang said. “It is a very memorable place for me. I am glad that peace and development have gradually reigned in this land.”