Army tightens security in Maguindanao as Ramadan approaches

MAGUINDANAO, Philippines ---- The Army’s 6th Infantry Division on Friday tightened security anew in Maguindanao to prevent possible attacks by the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) during the Ramadan fasting season.

The BIFF, led by radical clerics who are feared for their terror  activities, staged bloody attacks during the Ramadan season in 2012.

The attacks caused the dislocation of some 20,000 villagers in Maguindanao’s adjoining Datu Unsay, Datu Saudi, Datu Salibo, Mamasapano, Datu Piang, and Shariff Saidona towns.

Col. Dickson Hermoso, spokesman of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said military units in Maguindanao are again on full alert, anticipating attempts by the BIFF to sabotage the observance of the Ramadan.

The Ramadan, to immediately start upon the sighting of the new moon either on Friday night, or at dusk on Saturday, is a holy month for Muslims.

Muslims fast from dawn to dusk during the Ramadan, which lasts for one lunar cycle of  29 to 30 days, as a form of atonement and to inculcate among them the importance of self-restraint to achieve spiritual perfection.

“We are not taking chances. Tight security measures shall be imposed to prevent attacks by this group during the Ramadan,” Hermoso said.