Datu Piang chief of police not target of BIFF attack: Sinas

December 14, 2020

Capt. Israel Bayona, the chief of police of Datu Piang, was not the target of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) when they attacked the town last December 3.

“There is no truth on that (motive),” Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Debold Sinas said in a press briefing.

Earlier, the PNP said a possible motive is “personal grudge of some BIFF members against the chief of police of Datu Piang most likely over the arrest of two of its members”.

Sinas said he will check if Bayona is back in service.

Asked about the claim of the military that only four soldiers fought with the terrorist group as the policemen fked, Sinas said they will not argue over it.

“We will not anymore fight it over but what's good is that if that's their claim, there is a separate claim…  But we are just happy we received good feedback from the municipal mayor and he himself has praised the police in defending Datu Piang,” he said.

“We have saved the church. Now the reason why we showed the burnt detachment is because it is beside our mobile that was left by the police so that the church will be saved. So with that alone, it’s up to you to conclude,” he added.

For his part, Board of Inquiry (BOI) chairman, Brig. Gen Marni Marcos said while there are such claims, they were not able to find statements from witnesses and residents that it is true.

On the findings of the board of inquiry that there is lack of coordination between the police and military, Sinas said there’s no need to file any chase and they just need to correct themselves.

He said they also submitted a copy of the investigation to the 6th Infantry Battalion.

“I think both of them received (an intelligence report) but the point, what the BOI means is they did not share…  But I think everybody knows already that they are government forces, that's why they are ready also. We will just strengthen our bond, our cooperation with them,” Sinas said.

The BOI said an intelligence report about the attack was only received by the Datu Piang police hours before the harassment as it was not properly disseminated.

The BOI also recommended to the Directorate for Personnel and Records Management (DPRM) to issue appropriate awards for the gallantry of the Datu Piang police personnel. Ella Dionisio/DMS