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Published on: Monday, May 10, 2021
By: PNA
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Soldiers who battled militants in Datu Paglas, Maguindanao, are seen on a highway after sending the gunmen fleeing the firefight.
COTABATO CITY: Government forces have regained control of the Datu Paglas town market center in Maguindanao that the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) seized at dawn.
Lt. Col. John Paul Baldomar, speaking for the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said the BIFF gunmen, numbering about 200, withdrew and splintered into small groups after a brief military air and ground assault.
“At 10am, we are now in control of the public market in Datu Paglas; clearing operations were still going on,” Baldomar said.
May 10, 2021
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff General Cirilito Sobejana said local government authorities and residents in Maguindanao should remain vigilant following the encounter between the military and the Islamic State-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) last Saturday.
“I enjoin the populace of and local leaders in Maguindanao to remain vigilant as we continue our watch until peace is stabilized,” Sobejana said.
The military and armed members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) clashed in Datu Paglas town, Maguindanao, Saturday morning. Government troops immediately took control of the situation.
According to the 6th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, about 20 BIFF members clashed with soldiers on Saturday in the town.
May 10, 2021
Many residents of Datu Paglas, Maguindanao have returned to their homes after fleeing on Saturday due to clashes between the military and members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).
But according to Olhamier Saguia, one of the returning residents, some still do not return home due to fear.
“Doon sila pumunta sa kamag-anak nila. Para okay ‘yong pagtulog nila. Tapos ‘yong iba nasa eskwelahan pumunta. ‘Yong mga walang mapuntahan, nasa malapit lang,” said Saguia.
“Takot pa rin kasi nga siyempre ‘yong kahapon, malay mo bumalik at mangyari ulit ‘yon,” he added.
According to the 6th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, about 20 BIFF members clashed with soldiers on Saturday in the town.
Armored personnel carriers make their way along traffic as they augment security forces in Datu Paglas, Maguindanao province, southern Philippines on May 8. (AP Photo)
COTABATO, Philippines Dozens of Muslim militants occupied a public market overnight in the southern Philippines before fleeing after a tense standoff with government forces, officials said Saturday.
The Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters did not take any hostage or put up resistance when army troops and police took positions at dawn Saturday near the public market in the farming town of Datu Paglas, said military spokesman Lt. Col. John Paul Baldomar.
“They went into the market and stole food but got stuck inside when they saw that our forces have taken positions to ensure other buildings could not be threatened,” he told reporters.