Government in control of Maguindanao – PNP

MANILA, Philippines — Government security forces remain in control of the situation in Maguindanao despite recent attacks by members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar has assured the public.

Eleazar said the police and military prevented BIFF bandits, including those who stormed Datu Paglas town on May 8, from sowing chaos in the province.

“The AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) and the PNP have joined forces in the intensified manhunt for BIFF members behind the attack,” Eleazar said.

He said government forces would not stop until the BIFF and other threat groups are neutralized.

“I assure our Muslim brothers and sisters that we will not let our guard down to ensure a peaceful and blessed celebration of Eid’l
Fitr,” Eleazar said.

President Duterte during his visit to Maguindanao on Tuesday said the BIFF remains the biggest hindrance to peace in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, citing the bandits’ ”full-blown terrorism” attacks.

Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, 6th Infantry Division commander, said they are preparing for retaliatory attacks following the death of five bandits in an encounter with soldiers in Datu Paglas on Wednesday.

“We will not lower our guard. Our efforts... will continue until normalcy is restored in areas where they operate,” Uy said.