QUEZON City, Philippines (Eagle News) – Members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Liberation Freedom Fighters (BIFF) attacked two villages in North Cotabato on Wednesday, June 21.
Reports said that the BIFF first attacked the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT) outpost in Barangay Malagkit.
In an interview with Net 25’s Agila Balita Alas Dose, Brigadier General Restituto Padilla said that the BIFF attackers had already retreated after the AFP went after them.
“Okay na po, wala na po yung mga kalaban doon, na-resolve na po yang pag-atake na yan, nagsi-atrasan na po yung mga miyembro ng BIFF,” Padilla said.
When asked if 500 members of the BIFF attacked the outpost, Padilla said that the number was just exaggerated.
“Hindi po, na-exaggerate na lang po yung bilang,” Padilla said.
Padilla also said that the area was now passable, while authorities are conducting continuous clearing operations.
According to Padilla, the AFP does not consider the attack as a diversion from the ongoing military operations in Marawi City, but merely an opportunistic attack by the said group.
“We don’t consider it as diversionary activity, more like an opportunistic activity, nagte-take-advantage itong mga grupong ito, kasi alam po nila na itong mga outpost natin hindi masyadong heavily dependent,” Padilla said.
In the interview, Padilla said in Marawi City, members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines were still conducting clearing operations.
He said that 16 buildings have already been cleared, while two other buildings were being processed.
