COTABATO CITY—The Islamic State-linked terrorist group Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) has claimed responsibility for the March 17 ambush in Datu Hoffer Ampatuan town of Maguindanao del Sur province that killed four off-duty soldiers.
Abu Supyan, speaking for the BIFF Kagi Karialan faction, told the Inquirer on Tuesday that the ambush in broad daylight in Barangay Tuayan 1 was triggered by continuous military offensives against their positions.
READ: 4 Army troopers killed in Maguindanao del Sur ambush
“We have been silent but they (Army) have been carrying out raids [against us]. Even the elder brother of Commander Kagi Karialan, who is a civilian, was killed [in these raids],” Supyan said in Filipino. Kagi Karialan leads one of the three BIFF factions.
Supyan said that because of the series of military offensives targeting BIFF members in Maguindanao del Sur, they had to retaliate. “That’s why we launched the ambush against the four soldiers,” said Supyan, adding: “We have no regrets that we did it.”
The Moro Islamic Liberation, an erstwhile ally of the BIFF before the former rebel group entered into a peace accord with the government, has strongly condemned the killing of four soldiers on Sunday.
“We firmly condemn the act of violence, especially during the holy month of Ramadan, a time when we are called upon to reflect, pray and foster peace and reconciliation,” said Mohagher Iqbal, chair of the MILF peace implementing panel.
“Such acts of terror do not align with the values of Islam or the principles of peace we are steadfastly working toward in the Bangsamoro,” added Iqbal, who is Bangsamoro education minister and a member of parliament.
Combined forces
Supyan stressed they respect the MILF but the “military keeps on attacking us while we are peacefully hiding.” He asserted: “We are not bad people, we are not extorting from civilians, we are also mujahideen (warriors) and we are guided by Jihad Fi Sabilillah (striving or fighting in the path of Allah).”
Supyan confirmed that the Karialan and Bungos factions of the BIFF met in Datu Hoffer Ampatuan town by “coincidence, so we combined forces (to attack the soldiers).”
He vowed they will continue to launch attacks against military installations and Army personnel, warning civilians to stay away from military camps. INQ