BIFF members overrun PNP station, burning patrol car in Maguindanao town

MANILA, Philippines — Elements of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) overran the police station at Datu Piang town of Maguindanao late Thursday night, according to initial reports from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

According to AFP’s Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) an undetermined number of BIFF members entered the town around 11:00 p.m. and overran the Philippine National Police (PNP) station in the town, before burning a patrol car.

By the time military troops arrived to clear the area, the BIFF members had fled.

WestMinCom gave an assurance that troops were on top of the situation and had started investigating the incident.

“Based on the initial report from JTF Central, at around 11 p.m., an undetermined number of BIFF entered the town of Datu Piang, Maguindanao, overrun the PNP station, and burned the PNP patrol car,” Lieutenant General Corleto Vinluan Jr., WestMonCom commander said.

“Our troops immediately responded to clear the area. Accordingly, the BIFF left the area after they burned the PNP patrol car. At present, our troops are in the area and in control of the situation,” Vinluan added.

No casualties were recorded on the side of the PNP, except for the patrol car.

Videos about the shooting incident quickly spread on social media showing residents hiding in their houses as gunshots were heard near the area.  The clips also showed the burning patrol car in the area.

[atm]