PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) Chief General Guillermo Lorenzo Eleazar assured that government security forces such as the PNP and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) remain in control of the situation in Maguindanao amid recent attacks in the province by the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).
“The AFP and the PNP have joined forces in the intensified manhunt operations against BIFF members who were behind the attack last May 8 in Datu Paglas, Maguindanao,” said PNP Chief Gen. Eleazar.
According to PGen. Eleazar, another armed encounter with the local threat group happened on Wednesday in Datu Paglas, where four members of the BIFF-Karialan faction were killed. A high-powered firearm and war materials were recovered.
“Hindi po titigil ang inyong kapulisan at kasundaluhan sa pagtapos sa grupong ito na nagdadala lamang ng gulo sa Mindanao,” PGen. Eleazar said.
He added, “Patuloy na nasa likod ng AFP ang PNP sa pagtugis sa bawat miyembro ng BIFF.”
The recent clash happened a day before the observance of Eid’l Fitr, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. The PNP has not monitored any threat on the important celebration for Filipino Muslims and other Muslims worldwide.
“The PNP is always on alert and ready to provide security for the observance of Eid’l Fitr, a very important religious holiday to mark the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting. Sa ngayon po, wala namang namomonitor ang Pambansang Pulisya na banta mula sa anumang grupo,” PGen. Eleazar said.
“I assure our Muslim brothers and sisters that we will not let our guards down to ensure a peaceful and blessed celebration of Eid’l Fitr,” he added.
The PNP chief, meanwhile, reminded the public to observe minimum health standards in celebrating Eid’l Fitr as the country remains under threat from the deadly coronavirus.
“Alam ko po na napakahalaga ang araw na ito para sa ating mga kapatid na Muslim. Subalit huwag sana nating isakripisyo ang ating kaligtasan at kalusugan sa selebrasyong ito dahil narito pa rin ang banta ng pandemya,” PGen. Eleazar said.
(Photo credit: PNP-PIO)