Another encampment of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), believed to have been used by BIFF leader Ameril Ombra Kato and equipped with a makeshift hospital, was captured by elite Army forces yesterday in Maguindanao province as military bombardments against enemy positions continued.
Army 6th Infantry Division (ID) spokesman Col. Prudencio Asto said government security forces captured the BIFF encampment in the vicinity of Hill 260, within the Camp Omar complex, in Datu Hoffer town.
“Hill 260 is equipped with a hospital with outposts and running trenches that you cannot easily enter (because) there are snipers, they have Barret,” Asto said.
According to him, operating troops recovered medicines for Kato and his wheelchair.
Asto noted there was minimal resistance during the operation by the Rangers.
On Saturday, elements of the 2nd Scout Ranger Battalion (SRB) also captured a BIFF lair on Hill 261, along the southern part of Camp Omar complex also in Datu Hoffer town in an operation at around 6:30 a.m.
Lt. Col. Ignatius Patrimonio, commander of the 2nd SRB, described the BIFF camp as having 10 bunkers that accommodate at least 100 persons.
“Several war materials and personal belongings were left behind by the rebels who hastily fled with numerous casualties when the artillery bombardments began,” Patrimonio said.
So far, Asto said, the five BIFF encampments have been captured by the military.
Mario J. Mallari with PNA