MILITARY operations against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (Biff) in central Mindanao would continue until the government forces cripple it so it could no longer carry out terrorist attack, authorities vowed on Wednesday.
Capt. Arvin Encinas, spokesperson of the 6th Infantry Division, issued the pronouncement as he blamed the Biff for Tuesday night’s bombing in nearby Isulan, the capital of Sultan Kudarat province, that killed three people and wounded at least 34 others.
The Biff denied any involvement in the bombing. Biff spokesperson Abu Misry Mama said it was merely a military ploy.
The Sultan Kudarat provincial government offered a P1-million reward for the arrest of those behind the bomb attack.
Gov. Sultan Pax Mangudadatu said the reward said the local government would provide all the necessary resources to speed up the resolution of the case.
The bombing three days before the culmination of the town’s 7th Hamungaya Festival and the province’s 61st foundation anniversary celebration.
He said the incident was “very painful” for the province and called it a “barbaric act perpetrated by animals.”
The explosion occurred at around 8:34 p.m. near “ukay-ukay” stalls along the highway in Barangay Kalawag 3.
A police report said an “unidentified suspect approached two unsuspecting CAA (Cafgu Active Auxiliary) members posted in the area and slowly planted an IED (improvised explosive device) placed inside a black bag under a parked motorcycle.”
Two more explosives were recovered near the blast site and later disarmed by responding explosive ordnance disposal personnel. (Mindanews and PNA)
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