Army discovers BIFF bomb-making facility in Maguindanao

COTABATO CITY – The military on Thursday confirmed the discovery of a bomb-making facility in Barangay Andavit in Datu Salibo, Maguindanao, which allegedly belonged to the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

Capt. Jo-ann Petinglay, spokesperson of the 6th Infantry Division, said the BIFF abandoned the bomb-making facility on Tuesday.

But Petinglay said the rebels appeared to have fled in haste as they had left behind bomb-making materials, including ammonium nitrate.

The same materials were found to have been used in bombs set off by the BIFF in recent days and in the un-exploded ones recovered by government troops, she said.

The discovery of the bomb-making facility came when combined forces of the Philippine Marines and the Army’s Special Forces conducted another operation after BIFF forces attacked government positions in Andavit, Petinglay said.

A Marine soldier, identified as Private Ronel Undecimo, was killed during the attack while 2Lt. Shajeed Andik was wounded.

Andavit is adjacent to Barangay Tee, which government forces earlier took control of.

The adjoining villages were the site of the dredging by a private contractor working on a P58-million flood control project in Maguindanao.

The BIFF started harassing project workers and soldiers securing the facilities in February, triggering weeks of on and off skirmishes.

Abu Misri Mama, BIFF spokesperson, denied they operated the bomb-making facility.  SFM