MANILA, Philippines — The situation in Datu Piang, Maguindanao is under control after a band of terrorists raided the town Thursday night, the Phliippine National Police (PNP) assured.
“In place naman po ang troops [from] both the PNP and the AFP po. For now, the [situation] is under control po. We want the local residents to be back to normal life even after the brief military skirmishes,” PNP spokesman Brigadier General Ildebrandi Usana said in a statement after suspected members of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) attacked the Datu Piang police station.
On Thursday night, the military confirmed reports of BIFF members at the Maguindanao town wherein a police vehicle was set on fire.
By the time the military arrived, terrorists had already fled.
“Only a police vehicle was set on fire. No other damage in properties. No casualties din po. The PNP Regional Mobile Force Battalion and the Army from the 34th IB [Infantry Battalion] responded [immediately] and reinforced the troops in the area. After 45 minutes, the municipality was cleared from any further intrusion,” Usana added.