Maguindanao (Image from Google Maps)
MAGUINDANAO — Government troops on Saturday recovered components for making improvised explosive devices (IEDs), high-powered guns, and suspected shabu in separate operations against an Islamic State-inspired armed group in Maguindanao, according to Capt. Arvin John Encinas, spokesperson of the 6th Infantry Division.
Encinas said soldiers from the 19th and 6th Infantry Battalions were pursuing about 20 members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) when they found the bomb-making components and suspected shabu.
Encinas said the soldiers found the materials along the escape route of BIFF men on the borders of Barangay Kuden in Talitay town and Barangay Brar in Datu Anggal Midtimbang town on Saturday afternoon. Both towns are in Maguindanao.
“Our troops were responding to reports by civilians about the presence of ISIS-inspired local terrorist group in the area that resulted to the recovery of suspected shabu and IED component,” Encinas said.
Also on Saturday, combined elements of the 22nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion and 57th Infantry Battalion, clashed with lawless elements while conducting pursuit operations in Barangay Alongangen, Datu Piang, Maguindanao.
“Government forces were responding to residents report about high-powered guns hidden in the area and about to be transferred to another site when the clashes erupted,” Encinas said.
Soldiers found one high-quality locally made .50-caliber sniper rifle.
Major Gen. Arnel dela Vega, 6th Infantry Division commander, commended local residents for providing the information to authorities. /atm