MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday vows to make accountable under the law the local terrorist group behind the December 3 attack in Datu Piang, Maguindanao.
“The police will file criminal charges against those terrorists responsible for the attack and burning of our patrol car, as we assure the Datu Piang residents of intensified security measures to prevent similar threats posed by violent extremists in the future,” PNP Chief Police General Debold Sinas said in a statement.
Sinas also ordered police forces in Central Mindanao to conduct hot pursuit operations against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters who overran a police station at the Maguindanao town on Thursday night.
The PNP chief also directed the PNP Special Action Force to be alert in case the Police Regional Office in Bangsamoro Administrative Region needs augmentation for pursuit operation.
Police said some 50 armed men “harassed the townhall of Datu Piang,” Municipal Police Station, and the Sta. Teresita Church at 9:25 p.m.
The BIFF has already owned up to the Thursday night attacks, where a police patrol car was burned but no casualties were reported.
The situation in Datu Piang, Maguindanao is now under control following the raid, the PNP assured.