AFP: No stopping all-out offensive vs BIFF

MANILA, Philippines - The military will continue the offensive against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) despite the rising number of evacuees in Cotabato and Maguindanao.

Armed Forces public affairs chief Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc said the displaced residents would be given enough assistance by local governments and aid groups.

“The offensives of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police are in line with the guidance of the President to continue the efforts against terrorist groups and lawless elements especially peace spoilers,” Cabunoc said in an interview Tuesday.

“We hope that with the help of different sectors, we can finish this soon because we understand the sufferings of our countrymen,” he added.

Cabunoc said local officials are working closely with ground commanders to facilitate the return of residents to areas that have been cleared of BIFF combatants.

“The international relief organizations and our local government units are collaborating to help the affected families in evacuation centers,” he added.

Thousands of residents fled their homes after the military launched what it described as an “all-out offensive” against the BIFF, the breakaway group of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

More than 5,000 families or about 20,000 individuals have been displaced by the sporadic clashes in parts of Maguindanao and Cotabato.

"I am saddened by the news that at least 20,000 people had been displaced by the violent attacks perpetrated by the BIFF in the hinterland villages. We will do our best to protect the people and allow them to go back to their homes," Armed Forces chief Gen. Gregorio Catapang Jr. said in a previous statement.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) have distributed two weeks worth of food rations, hygiene kits, tarpaulins and jerry cans to around 8,000 people in Pagalungan, Maguindanao.

“This will supplement the assistance being provided by the authorities. We will make a similar delivery of relief items to 2,275 displaced families in Pikit,” said Maria Carmen Echezarreta Inurritegui, head of the ICRC office in Cotabato.

The ICRC will also transport 28,000 liters of clean drinking water provided by the Pikit Water District to two evacuation centers in Pagalungan.

The group also provided support to health facilities in affected areas namely Cotabato Provincial Hospital and Dr. Amado Diaz Provincial Hospital, both in North Cotabato, and the Maguindanao Provincial Hospital.