Blast in Maguindanao town linked to BIFF

MANILA, Philippines - An improvised explosive device (IED) went off Tuesday in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, two days after the military terminated a law enforcement campaign against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

Armed Forces public affairs chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said the explosion occurred around 2:05 p.m. at Barangay Tuka shortly after members of the Army’s 46th battalion and the 12 Mechanized Company passed by the area.

No one was hurt during the explosion, which was witnessed by a 10-vehicle convoy bound for Rajah Buayan town. 

The convoy, which consisted of two Simba fighting vehicles, three KM 450 military trucks, two vehicles owned by the local government and vehicles of ABS-CBN, GMA 7 and TV 5, was about 100 to 200 meters from the explosion site. 

An explosive ordnance division team from the 1st Mechanized Brigade was sent to the area to clear the explosives.

“We condemn the continued use of IED which put even civilians in great danger,” Zagala said.

“We advise civilians, most especially the media who are there to cover to be careful with their coverage. IEDs are not just aimed towards the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) and Philippine National Police. Anyone may be hit,” he added.  

The incident happened three days after 12 persons, including two media men, were hurt in a blast in Datu Saudi Ampatuan town also in Maguindanao.

Authorities are not discounting the possibility that the explosion was meant to get back at government forces that raided BIFF lairs last week. 

“Obviously, the bombing was in retaliation for the fall of their camp last week in Barangay Ganta in Shariff Saidona (also in Maguindanao),” Col. Edgar Gonzales, commanding officer of the Army’s 1st Mechanized Brigade said.

Zagala said the explosion means that the Armed Forces of the Philippines will still need to continue its clearing operation to remove threats not only to soldiers but to the community as well.

“Our presence there is important this time we like to show the community that these attacks will not deter our efforts to diminish BIFF influence in their community,” he added. 

Security forces launched fresh offensives against the BIFF last Jan. 27 to serve arrest warrants against rebel leaders with criminal cases.

The campaign, dubbed as 'Operation Dark Horse,' led to the seizure of four BIFF camps and an explosive factory in Maguindanao. However, the group’s leader Umbra Kato and his senior aide Ustadz Muhaiden Animbang remain at large. Kato is facing several criminal cases for leading a series of attacks against civilian communities in Mindanao in 2008. 

A total of 52 BIFF members and one soldier were killed during sporadic clashes in Sharif Saydona, Rajah Buayan and Datu Piang all of Maguindanao and Pikit in North Cotabato.

Last Sunday, the military announced the termination of Operation Dark Horse as it claimed that the BIFF's capability to launch atrocities has been reduced significantly.

Kato belongings recovered

Personal belongings believed to be owned by Kato were recovered by troops who raided BIFF camps last week.

Col. Dickson Hermoso, spokesman of the Army’s 6th division, said soldiers had found an improvised stretcher, an improvised lifter and medicines in Barangay Reina Regente in Maguindanao.

“Their (BIFF) headquarters is located in (Barangay) Ganta and we were able to capture it. They were able to evacuate him (Kato). He cannot walk by himself,” Hermoso said.

Hermoso said Kato is no longer issuing orders because he is already bedridden. One of his lieutenants, Kagi Karialan, is reportedly calling the shots for the BIFF.

“We follow the rule of law. He (Kato) violated the law so he should be made accountable. He has several criminal cases so he should answer them,” Hermoso said in Filipino. 

Zagala said the law enforcement operations against remnants of the BIFF would continue despite the termination of Operation Dark Horse.

“We should continue our clearing operations. We will continue fighting them. This is a continuous law enforcement operation. We assure our people that we wont leave the areas taken over,” he said. 

In 2008, Kato and his forces attacked civilians in various parts of Mindanao after the Supreme Court nullified the memorandum of agreement on ancestral domain between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. 

The rebel commander reportedly suffered a mild stroke in 2011. (with a report from John Unson)