DAVAO CITY – Authorities on Friday downplayed threats by the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) against President Duterte and this city, saying the militants were desperate due to recent setbacks in the battlefield. Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said the BIFF has no support from the local Muslim population, and therefore has no capability tolaunch attacks outside of its stronghold. ADVERTISEMENTThe military spokesperson said necessary security measures have been set up since the declaration of martial law to prevent the spillover of violence in Marawi and in Cotabato. Hermoso said fighters from the MILF blocked the community of Simsiman from the intruding BIFF gunmen. Meanwhile, Orlando Cardinal Quevedo, OMI, the archbishop of Cotabato, condemned the desecration of a Catholic chapel in Malagakit by the BIFF men.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer June 23, 2017 09:33 UTC