Military forces in Maguindanao and nearby areas have initiated security measures in anticipation of retaliatory attacks from the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) following the death of its top leader and 11 other fighters in Datu Saudi Ampatuan town on Monday, April 22.
Lt. Col. Dennis Almorato, spokesperson of the 6th Infantry Division, said a state of high alert has been implemented after the death of BIFF-Karialan Faction chairman Mohiden Animbang.
“We are expecting that they would retaliate but we are very much ready,” said Almorato.
In fact, Almorato said a small group of armed men harassed a military detachment in Datu Hoffer town several hours after the death of Animbang and 11 of his men on April 24.
The military detachment attacked was some 20 kilometers away from the encounter site where Animbang was killed.
Almorato said no soldier was hurt during the attack during the 30-second strafing.