BIFF bomber arrested in Midsayap

September 26, 2017

A Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighter (BIFF) bomber was arrested in a law enforcement operation in North Cotabato on Monday morning, the military said Tuesday.

Capt. Arvin Encinas, Army’s 6 th Infantry Division spokesman, said the 34th Infantry Battalion and 603rd Infantry Brigade were conducting joint operation when they captured the bandit at the vicinity of Sitio Campo Muslim, Barangay Nabalawag, Midsayap, North Cotabato around 8:15 am

Encinas said government forces also recovered war materiel.

Among the recovered items were one M14, one M16, one rocket propelled grenade, two caliber 45 pistol, and improvised explosive device paraphernalia.

Encinas said the arrested BIFF bomber identified as Muslimin Ladtungan was turned over to the Midsayap Police Station for proper disposition while the recovered materials were given to the police for filing of charges against the suspect.

Capt. Jo-ann Petinglay, Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Mindanao Command spokesperson, said Ladtungan is also the 4 th Division Commander of the BIFF under Mando Mamalumpong alias Commandeer DM that operates in Barangay Nabalawag, Midsayap, North Cotabato.

Quoting Major General Arnel Dela Vega, Joint Task Force Central Commander, Petinglay said "Ladtugan facilitates the transport of high-powered firearms and war materiel of the factions."

“His recent involvement was the supposed transport of a 60mm mortar which was recovered by military intelligence operatives in Barangay Damablac, Talayan, Maguindanao last September 19,” he said. Robina Asido/DMS