APD | All-out military operations launched in Maguindanao; about 20 killed in encounters

By APD writer Melo M. Acuna

MANILA, Mar.12 (APD) – Air and artillery missions were conducted by the Joint Task Force Central (JTFC) in a number of villages in the towns of Salibu-Pagatin-Mamasapano and Shariff Aguak in Maguindanao in pursuit of the DAESH-inspired terrorist group led by one Salahudin Hassan.

Major General Carlito Sobejana, 6th Infantry Division commander said they launched what he described as air and artillery mission to clearly identify and confirmed targets that complemented focused ground operations against the terrorist group at dawn last Monday.

In a statement send to this writer Tuesday afternoon, Major General Sobejana said a concerned citizen relayed information about the consolidation of fully-armed men in the area.

“Local residents also reported to the authorities that the terror group forcibly occupied their homes since February and sent them away to stay in some other places,” he said.  The operations were confined in the four towns of Maguindanao.

He added former members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) who earlier surrendered to government troops confirmed the information from local residents.  There was appropriate coordination with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front – Coordinating Council for the Cessation of Hostilities (MILF-CCCH).  It will be recalled 44 police operatives were killed in 2015 when government troops failed to coordinate with MILF authorities in Mamasapano town in pursuit of a foreign terrorist who sought shelter in a village.

General Sobejana said sketchy reports disclosed more or less 20 of the armed group were killed while several others were reported wounded.  A soldier was reported killed while nine others were reported wounded in the operations.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)