Notorious BIFF bomber neutralized, IED components and firearms seized in Maguindanao

Zamboanga City, Philippines (The Redline News Philippiunes) -  A notorious leader and bomber of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters was killed, while several firearms and war materiel were seized in the series of the joint operations launched by the military and police in Sultan Kudarat yesterday (May 22).

At 1 in the morning  today, joint elements of the 603rd Brigade, composed of the troops from the 5th Special Forces Battalion and the 19th Infantry Battalion, and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao conducted joint operations at the ARMM housing project, yielding to the death of a BIFF bomb instructor, identified as Murad Ali, in Barangay Capiton, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.

Said operation was conducted by virtue of the search warrants issued for violation of Republic Act No. 9516 and Republic Act No. 10591.

Further recovered were a 60MM HE mortars round; a fragmentation grenade; an INGRAM; and suspected components of an Improvised Explosive Device, composed of seven pieces of nine-volt battery, 16 blasting caps, nine battery connectors, four sets of cutting tools, four cellular phones, a radio, a detonating cord, a GPS, and a laptop.

The recovered items were brought to the headquarters of the CIDG-ARMM for documentation and proper disposition, while the remains of Ali were turned over to his relatives after proper procedures were made by the SOCO team.

“This recent operational accomplishment will seriously degrade the BIFF, which propagates terrorism by conducting bombing activities in Central Mindanao,” said Lieutenant General Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., Commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

"Ali was a notorious bomb instructor and a protégée of the late Basit Usman. Just like Usman, he was an expert bomb trainer of the newly recruited BIFF members."

Meanwhile, at 5am yesterday, operating troops of the 603rd Brigade, composed of the 37th Infantry Battalion, 5th Special Forces Battalion, and combined elements of the PNP RPSB and PDEA-ARMM conducted a law enforcement operation by virtue of the search warrants issued for violation of Republic Act No. 10591 and Republic Act No. 9165 in Barangay Katuli, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao.

Said operation resulted in the arrest of several target personalities, who were initially brought to the headquarters of the PDEA-ARMM for documentation and legal procedures.

Further seized were quantities of illegal drugs, an M16 rifle, a Bushmaster rifle, a Thompson submachine gun, and a Beretta 9mm pistol.

"Joint Task Force Central led by Major General Arnel Dela Vega is actively partnering with the other agencies in support of the conduct of law enforcement operations," said Lieutenant General Galvez.

"It is expected that more of these successes will be reaped due to the growing awareness of the community and the renewed vigor to combat terrorism and lawlessness." (posted by Becky D. de Asis-The Redline News Philippines)