AFP ends major offensive vs BIFF

Marwan was killed along with 44 SAF elite commandos who clashed with the BIFF and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.

Asked why the AFP was ending its offensive against the BIFF, Catapang said: “We are just ending the all-out offensive because they have splintered into smaller groups. We will now operate in smaller groups.”

From groups of 50 to 100, the military said the BIFF was now moving around in groups of 20 to 30 men.

Nowhere to hide

“This one will be small-sized operations, Ranger type. We now control the Salvo, Pagatin, Mamasapano and Shariff Aguak box. If they enter the box as happened yesterday, they will be annihilated because all the troops here are now concentrated in this area,” Catapang said.

He stressed that with the cooperation of local government officials, residents and MILF, the BIFF rebels had nowhere to hide.

In addition, the military will coordinate with local authorities for the safe return of over 100,000 residents who left their homes to flee the fighting.

Catapang said they would now focus on rebuilding the affected communities and supporting the development projects intended to spur economic activity.

As this developed, Col. Melquiades Feliciano, 601st Brigade commander, said fighting in two separate areas in Maguindanao erupted on Sunday after BIFF rebels returned to their encampment in the town of Datu Unsay. Julie M. Aurelio; with Edwin Fernandez, Inquirer Mindanao