PNP: BIFF’s grudge vs police chief could be among reasons in Datu Piang attack

PNP chief Gen. Debold Sinas. (Photo from PNP PIO)

MANILA, Philippines — Local terrorist groups’ personal grudge against the Datu Piang police chief Captain Israel Bayona could be one of the motives behind the Datu Piang town siege in Maguindanao, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Saturday.

In a statement, PNP chief Police General Debold Sinas said the police are “likely” considering the angle of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters’ (BIFF) personal grudge against Bayona for arresting the terrorist group’s members over drugs and firearms.

“Sinas said the third possibility of personal grudge is most likely because the Chief of Police was sought out by the armed men over the earlier arrest of two BIFF members who are relatives of the Vice Mayor,” read the statement from PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Ildebrandi Usana.

Other motives raised by police probers are political rivalry among local executives of Datu Piang as well as vengeance for the death of BIFF member Abu Suffian in Cotabato City.

Suffian was allegedly the mastermind behind the Cotabato City mall blast in 2018.

According to Sinas, regular business has already returned to normal in Datu Piang two days after 50 armed BIFF men stormed the Maguindanao town, as per the reports of Police Regional Office- Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (BAR).

No one was hurt in the siege but a police car was set ablaze by the BIFF.

PNP previously said it would file charges of attempted murder, arson, indiscriminate firing, damage to property, and grave threats and intimidation are being prepared against Salahudin Hasan and Muhiden Animbang Indong, also known as the two leaders of the BIFF over the Datu Piang attack.

JPV