By FRANCIS T. WAKEFIELD
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is verifying reports that foreign fighters or jihadists are said to be fighting side by side with the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Maguindanao and North Cotabato.
AFP Spokesman Maj. Gen. Restituto Padilla said he was informed by 6th Infantry Division officials led by the commanding officer of the 6th Civil Military Operations Lt. Col. Gerry Besana about foreign fighters with Caucasian-like features who were reportedly seen by residents along with local terrorists.
“Yes, officials from the 6th Infantry Division revealed that information and (its positive), there was sighting of them. But we have yet to ascertain who are they,” Padilla said.
Last Wednesday, troops conducted air and artillery strikes on suspected temporary shelters of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in two barangays in Maguindanao.
Capt. Arvin Encinas, the spokesman of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, disclosed that the military offensives took place at Barangays Meta Data Unsay and Timbangan, Shariff Aguak, all in Maguindanao and that they have yet to receive any reports of casualties.
The BIFF members are said to be led by one Commander Bungos.
Encinas disclosed that soldiers used 105 mm Howitzers in bombarding the enemy. Air assets also took part in the strikes but refused to confirm if the FA50 fighter jets which were recently acquired from South Korea were use during the military operations.
A similar air and artillery fire mission were conducted Friday in North Cotabato against the BIFF led by Abo Turaypie.