AFP Denies Dropping High Explosive Shells on Maguindanao Village

(PNA) — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday denied reports claiming that some of its units have deliberately fired on some houses in Barangay Elian, Datu Saudi Ampatuan town, Maguindanao during clearing operations against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) there.

“The AFP refutes the claim of some villagers at Elian in Datu Saudi Ampatuan in Maguindanao that artillery fire have caused the destruction of some houses there,” AFP public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc said.

Initial report from the field revealed that the adjacent house where the alleged artillery fire occurred remains intact, a sign that the damage could not have been caused by a 105mm high explosive blast.

“The troops revealed that when they were approaching the said community, the BIFF bombarded them with mortar fires, hitting the said houses,” he added.

The AFP has earlier declared civilian communities as “No Fire Area” in accordance to military doctrines on indirect fire support.

A “No Fire Area” is a zone where mortars, heavy cannons and aircraft are not allowed to drop high explosive bombs.

The 6th Infantry Division commander, Major Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan, has ordered a Civil Military Operations Battalion to assess the reported damage and to extend assistance in repairing houses.

“It is the duty of the AFP to ensure that collateral damage is minimized during the conduct of intensified law enforcement operations against the BIFF,” Cabunoc pointed out.

“We will continue to adhere to the Rules of Engagement and the provisions of the International Humanitarian Law to ensure that civilians are protected during the conduct of law enforcement operations,” he concluded. (PNA) CTB/PFN