Army: BIFF mortar fire destroyed homes

MANILA, Philippines—It was mortar fire of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and not artillery fire from the military that destroyed houses in parts of Maguindanao.

“The Armed Forces of the Philippines refutes the claim of some villagers at Elian in Datu Saudi Ampatuan in Maguindanao that artillery fires have caused the destruction of some houses there,” Armed Forces spokesperson Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc said on Wednesday.

Residents reported that their houses were among those supposedly hit by howitzer fire from the military amid the all-out offensive against Moro rebels.

READ: Villagers say homes hit by Army artillery fire

Cabunoc said based on initial reports from the field, the adjacent house where the artillery fire allegedly occurred remained intact, which meant that the damage could not have been caused by the 105 mm explosion.

He added that according to the troops, the BIFF bombarded them with mortar fires, which hit the houses.

The military official also said that a “no fire area” is implemented in civilian communities in accordance to military doctrines on indirect fire support. This means high explosive bombs from mortars, artilleries and planes are not allowed.

Army’s 6th Infantry Division commander Maj. Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan has ordered a Civil Military Operations Battalion to assess the reported damage and to extend assistance in repairing houses, Cabunoc said.