Narrative
Narrative of the Organization's History
Narrative of the Organization's History
Leadership, Name Changes, Size Estimates, Resources, Geographic Locations
Ideology, Aims, Political Activities, Targets, and Tactics
First Attacks, Largest Attacks, Notable Attacks
Foreign Designations and Listings, Community Relations, Relations with Other Groups, State Sponsors and External Influences
Mapping relationships with other militant groups over time in regional maps
The BIFF is an Islamist organization that seeks to establish an independent Islamic state in the southern Philippines for the Filipino Muslim minority, known as the Moro people. The BIFF was formed as a splinter group of the MILF in response to the latter’s acceptance of an autonomy arrangement rather than full independence during negotiations with the government. BIFF espoused an extreme version of Islam and admired Wahhabism.[43]
While the BIFF has expressed some willingness for peace negotiations, it has never engaged in peace talks or any other form of nonviolent political activity. The BIFF specifically promotes armed struggle as the means of achieving an independent Moro state. The BIFF has conducted attacks to destabilize ceasefire agreements and discourage peace negotiations between the government and the MILF. In August 2012, the BIFF attacked eleven villages in Maguindanao just as MILF-Philippine government peace talks were scheduled to resume.[44]
Since its 2010 formation, the BIFF has mainly attacked government forces, including police and military facilities.[45] Besides clashing with Philippine soldiers, the BIFF has also attacked civilian targets through bombings and raids, especially in attempts to undermine the MILF-Philippine government peace process.[46] At least one BIFF attack, led by BIFF leader Mohammad Ali Tambako in 2013, has specifically targeted Christians.[47] BIFF attacks often utilize IEDs triggered by mobile phones, and they have generally resulted in fewer than twelve casualties.[48]
Disclaimer: These are some selected major attacks in the militant organization’s history. It is not a comprehensive listing but captures some of the most famous attacks or turning points during the campaign.
August 5, 2012: BIFF members launched attacks on eleven towns in the province of Maguindanao, focusing on Philippine military targets. Fighting between the BIFF and government forces lasted until the following day. (3 killed, 1+ wounded).[49]
January 28, 2014: The Philippine National Police (PNP) blamed the BIFF for bombing a bus terminal in Maguindanao in an attempt to distract government forces pursuing high-ranking BIFF leaders. The BIFF denied responsibility for the attack. (0 killed, 2 wounded).[50]
December 9, 2014: The BIFF bombed a bus in the province of Bukidnon. Philippine authorities alleged that the attack was a test for new BIFF recruits and may also have been to attempt to extort the bus company, which had previously received demands for payment to the BIFF. (11 killed, 31 wounded).[51]
January 25, 2015: Philippine Special Action Force (SAF) soldiers targeted two key bomb-makers in an operation in Maguindanao.[52] During the pursuit, the soldiers were attacked by rebel forces that included BIFF members.[53] Consideration of the Bangsamoro Basic Law, an important element of the MILF-Philippine government negotiations, was temporarily suspended after this attack. (~67 killed, 12+ wounded).[54]
December 30-31, 2016: As in 2012, BIFF members attacked several villages with rifles and IEDs, focusing this time on a Philippine Army detachment in Datu Salibo, Maguindanao. Seven BIFF members were reportedly killed, and five others were wounded, during the raid on the Army detachment. A soldier’s wife was reported to be wounded. (7 killed, 6 wounded).[55]
The BIFF is not designated as a terrorist organization by the United States or the European Union.[56]
The extent of public support for the BIFF is unclear. Fighting between the BIFF and Philippine forces or the MILF has displaced many people in the southern region of Mindanao. In August 2012, the BIFF launched a violent campaign against eleven villages in the province of Maguindanao that caused over 24,000 residents to flee their homes.[57] In late December 2016 the group did much the same, attacking several villages and an Army installation.[58]
The BIFF broke away from the MILF in December 2010, and relations between the two groups have generally been hostile. The BIFF has clashed with the MILF’s armed wing, the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF), fighting mostly over control of territory in Maguindanao.[59] The BIFF has launched attacks intended to undermine the MILF’s peace talks with the Philippine government, including the August 2012 campaign against eleven villages in Maguindanao that caused over 24,000 residents to flee their homes.[60]
Later the same month, however, the BIFF announced a temporary halt of its attacks at the MILF’s request in order to allow for the scheduled resumption of MILF-Philippine government talks in Malaysia.[61] The MILF also announced that it was engaged in talks with the BIFF, encouraging it to return to its parent organization, although the BIFF ultimately rejected the idea.[62] Peace was short-lived as fighting between the BIFF and government forces soon erupted again.[63] On January 25, 2015, BIFF and MILF members were involved in an attack on Philippine Special Action Force (SAF) troopers who were targeting two key bomb-makers in an operation in Maguindanao. The battle resulted in forty-four SAF soldiers’ deaths and a backlash against the MILF-Philippine government peace process. However, whether the BIFF and MILF members cooperated in the attack is unclear.[64]
In February 2014, the MNLF announced an alliance with the BIFF. Both groups oppose the current MILF-Philippine government peace talks. The extent of the alliance is unclear.[65] The BIFF may also be allied with the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), another Islamic separatist group in the Philippines. On September 12, 2013, a combined total of 150 BIFF and ASG members conducted a joint attack against government forces on the island of Basilan.[66]
Additionally, the BIFF has worked with the Justice for Islamic Movement (JIM), a splinter group established in 2013 by Mohammad Ali Tambako after he left or was expelled from the BIFF.[67] Tambako may have rejoined the BIFF a short time afterward, and the BIFF and the JIM have allegedly allied themselves against government forces.[68]
Regarding militant groups outside the Philippines, the BIFF may have some ties to the Islamic State (IS). The BIFF declared allegiance to IS in a YouTube video uploaded on August 13, 2014; however, the Philippine authorities have dismissed the announcement as propaganda. There is no evidence of BIFF members traveling abroad to fight alongside IS, nor is there evidence of financial, logistical, or other relationships between the BIFF and IS.[69]
There is no observable evidence that this group receives external support from foreign governments or third parties.
[1] “3 killed in rebel attacks in Maguindanao.” Rappler, 6 Aug. 2012. Web. 20 Aug. 2015.
[2] "Incident Summary: Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement." County-Level Correlates of Terrorist Attacks in the United States | START.umd.edu. July 2018. Accessed December 03, 2018. https://www.start.umd.edu/gtd/search/IncidentSummary.aspx?gtdid=20171224....
[3] Chalk, Peter. “The Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters: The Newest Obstacles to Peace in the Southern Philippines?” CTC Sentinel 6.11-6.12 (November 2013): 15-17. Web. 20 Aug. 2015. Santos, Jr., Soliman M. and Paz Verdades M. Santos. Primed and Purposeful: Armed Groups and Human Security Efforts in the Philippines. Geneva: Small Arms Survey, April 2010. Print.
[4] Santos, Jr., Soliman M. and Paz Verdades M. Santos. Primed and Purposeful: Armed Groups and Human Security Efforts in the Philippines. Geneva: Small Arms Survey, April 2010. Print.
[5] “Rogue MILF commander forms splinter group.” Inquirer, 19 Aug. 2011. Web. 20 Aug. 2015.
[6] Unson, John. “BIFF founder Umbra Kato dies.” Philstar, 14 Apr. 2015. Web. 20 Aug. 2015.
[7] Chalk, Peter. “The Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters: The Newest Obstacles to Peace in the Southern Philippines?” CTC Sentinel 6.11-6.12 (November 2013): 15-17. Web. 20 Aug. 2015., Wilson, Jr., Thomas G. “Extending the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front a Catalyst for Peace.” Monograph. School of Advanced Military Studies, United States Army Command and General Staff College, 2009. Web. 20 Aug. 2015., Scarpello, Fabio. “Divide and rule: Controlling the MILF’s fractured factions.” Jane’s Intelligence Review (July 2010): 13-17. Web. 20 Aug. 2015.
[8] Chalk, Peter. “The Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters: The Newest Obstacles to Peace in the Southern Philippines?” CTC Sentinel 6.11-6.12 (November 2013): 15-17. Web. 20 Aug. 2015., Welch, Ivan. “Islamic Insurgency in the Philippines: Bangsamoro.” OE Watch 3.5 (May 2013). Web. 20 Aug. 2015.
[9] Chalk, Peter. “The Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters: The Newest Obstacles to Peace in the Southern Philippines?” CTC Sentinel 6.11-6.12 (November 2013): 15-17. Web. 20 Aug. 2015., “Philippine militants’ opposition to peace process, growing links with the Islamic State raise terrorism risks within Mindanao.” IHS Jane’s Intelligence Review, 27 Jan. 2015. Web. 20 Aug. 2015.
[10] Unson, John. “BIFF founder Umbra Kato dies.” Philstar, 14 Apr. 2015. Web. 20 Aug. 2015.
[11] Chalk, Peter. “The Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters: The Newest Obstacles to Peace in the Southern Philippines?” CTC Sentinel 6.11-6.12 (November 2013): 15-17. Web. 20 Aug. 2015.
[12] Marcelo, Elizabeth. “BIFF, Justice for Islamic Movement weaken with Tambako’s arrest.” GMA News, 16 Mar. 2015. Web. 20 Aug. 2015., Cabrera, Ferdinandh. “Ex-BIFF vice chair Tambako, 5 others arrested in GenSan; Usman still elusive.” GMA News, 16 Mar. 2015. Web. 20 Aug. 2015.
[13] Manlupig, Karlos. “Conflict displaces 24,000 in Maguindanao.” Rappler, 8 Aug. 2012. Web. 20 Aug. 2015.
[14] “Peace talks resume after deadly attacks.” Rappler, 7 Aug. 2012. Web. 20 Aug. 2015., Manlupig, Karlos. “MILF opens door for ex-comrades.” Rappler, 16 Oct. 2012. Web. 20 Aug. 2015.
[15] Manlupig, Karlos. “BIFF to stop attacks—for now.” Rappler, 29 Aug. 2012. Web. 20 Aug. 2015., Manlupig, Karlos. “Military attacks major Moro rebel camp.” Rappler, 7 July 2013. Web. 20 Aug. 2015.
[16] Marcelo, Elizabeth. “BIFF, Justice for Islamic Movement weaken with Tambako’s arrest.” GMA News, 16 Mar. 2015. Web. 20 Aug. 2015.
[17] “Philippines security forces capture Islamic militant leader Mohammad Ali Tambako.” South China Morning Post, 12 May 2015. Web. 20 Aug. 2015., Cabrera, Ferdinandh. “Ex-BIFF vice chair Tambako, 5 others arrested in GenSan; Usman still elusive.” GMA News, 16 Mar. 2015. Web. 20 Aug. 2015., “Arrest of Tambako has weakened BIFF—military.” Inquirer, 17 Mar. 2015. Web. 20 Aug. 2015., “Press statement on the arrest of Mohammad Ali Tambako.” Armed Forces of the Philippines, 16 Mar. 2015. Web. 20 Aug. 2015.
[18] Aben, Elena L. “AFP ends offensive with fall of BIFF main lair.” Manila Bulletin, 3 Feb. 2014. Web. 20 Aug. 2015., “US govt lists NPA, Abu Sayyaf, JI among foreign terrorist organizations in PHL.” GMA News, 20 June 2015. Web. 20 Aug. 2015.
[19] “’BIFF open to talks.’” Rappler, 29 Jan. 2014.Web. 20 Aug. 2015.
[20] Agence France-Presse. “Philippine militants pledge allegiance to ISIS jihadists.” Rappler, 15 Aug. 2014. Web. 20 Aug. 2015.
[21] Gutierrez, Natashya. “Aquino set to visit Davao despite Mindanao violence.” Rappler, 8 Aug. 2013. Web. 20 Aug. 2015., “5 BIFF rebels killed in Cotabato fighting—military.” Rappler, 11 Aug. 2013. Web. 20 Aug. 2015.
[22] Iaccino, Ludovica. “Philippines BIFF rebels: Terrorist Abdul Basit Usman killed by own bodyguards for $1m bounty.” International Business Times, 4 May 2015. Web. 20 Aug. 2015., Killing Marwan in Mindanao. IPAC Report No. 17. Institute for Policy Analysis of Conflict, 5 Mar. 2015. Web. 27 Aug. 2015.
[23] Samson-Espiritu, Arlene and Tim Hume. “Philippines honors 44 slain commandos with day of mourning.” CNN, 30 Jan. 2015. Web. 20 Aug. 2015., Casauay, Angela. “MILF conducts own probe into Maguindanao clash.” Rappler, 28 Jan. 2015. Web. 20 Aug. 2015., “MILF, BIFF names involved in SAF 44 killing forwarded to DOJ—PNP.” Inquirer, 13 Aug. 2015. Web. 20 Aug. 2015., Agence France-Presse. “PH military hunts ‘coddled’ most-wanted bombmaker.” Rappler, 11 Mar. 2015. Web. 20 Aug. 2015.
[24] “Philippines security forces capture Islamic militant leader Mohammad Ali Tambako.” South China Morning Post, 12 May 2015. Web. 20 Aug. 2015.
[25] Andong, Lore Mae. “BIFF confirms Kato’s death; replacement named.” ABS-CBN News, 14 Apr. 2015. Web. 20 Aug. 2015.
[26] Unson, John. “BIFF founder Umbra Kato dies.” Philstar, 14 Apr. 2015. Web. 20 Aug. 2015., Iaccino, Ludovica. “Philippines BIFF rebels: Terrorist Abdul Basit Usman killed by own bodyguards for $1m bounty.” International Business Times, 4 May 2015. Web. 20 Aug. 2015.
[27] Arcangel, Xianne. “BBL tops House’s agenda 16th Congress’ 3rd and final session.” GMA News, 6 July 2015.
[28] Philippines. Bangsamoro Transition Commission. “Primer on the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law.” Web. 10 July 2015.
[29] “Philippines Muslim leaders ‘tired of waiting’ for Bangsamoro law.” Al Jazeera, 13 Mar. 2018. Web. 9 July, 2018. < https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/03/philippines-muslim-leaders-tired-...
[30] “45 BIFF, 4 soldiers killed in anti-terror operations”. Manila Times, 9 July, 2018. Web. 24 July, 2018. http://www.manilatimes.net/45-biff-4-soldiers-killed-in-anti-terror-oper....
[31] Diaz, Jess. “House ratifies Bangsamoro Organic Law”. Philstar, 25 July, 2018. Web. 24 July, 2018 (Manila time is +1 day). <https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2018/07/25/1836632/house-ratifies-ban....
[32] Associated Press, “Philippine rebel chief: 30,000 rebels to be disarmed in deal”. Philstar, 25 July, 2018. Web. 24 July, 2018 (Manila time is +1 day). <https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2018/07/25/1836474/philippine-rebel-c....
[33] Fernandez, Amanda. “Ameril Umbra Kato, rogue MILF leader and founder of BIFF.” GMA News, 14 Apr. 2015. Web. 20 Aug. 2015., “Rogue MILF commander forms splinter group.” Inquirer, 19 Aug. 2011. Web. 20 Aug. 2015.
[34] Cabrera, Ferdinandh. “Ex-BIFF vice chair Tambako, 5 others arrested in GenSan; Usman still elusive.” GMA News, 16 Mar. 2015. Web. 20 Aug. 2015.
[35] “Philippines security forces capture Islamic militant leader Mohammad Ali Tambako.” South China Morning Post, 12 May 2015. Web. 20 Aug. 2015.
[36] “Arrest of Tambako has weakened BIFF—military.” Inquirer, 17 Mar. 2015. Web. 20 Aug. 2015., Cabrera, Ferdinandh. “Ex-BIFF vice chair Tambako, 5 others arrested in GenSan; Usman still elusive.” GMA News, 16 Mar. 2015. Web. 20 Aug. 2015., “Press statement on the arrest of Mohammad Ali Tambako.” Armed Forces of the Philippines, 16 Mar. 2015. Web. 20 Aug. 2015., Marcelo, Elizabeth. “BIFF, Justice for Islamic Movement weaken with Tambako’s arrest.” GMA News, 16 Mar. 2015. Web. 20 Aug. 2015.
[37] Robillos, Alyosha J. “Who is Basit Usman?” CNN, 5 May 2015.Web. 20 Aug. 2015., Navarro, Louie U. “AFP: Usman killed by followers—not MILF—for $1M bounty.” CNN, 4 May 2015. Web. 20 Aug. 2015.
[38] Andong, Lore Mae. “BIFF confirms Kato’s death; replacement named.” ABS-CBN News, 14 Apr. 2015. Web. 20 Aug. 2015., “Kumander Bungos is new BIFF head.” GMA News, 15 Apr. 2015. Web. 20 Aug. 2015.
[39] Chalk, Peter. “The Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters: The Newest Obstacles to Peace in the Southern Philippines?” CTC Sentinel 6.11-6.12 (November 2013): 15-17. Web. 20 Aug. 2015.
[40] Chalk, Peter. “The Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters: The Newest Obstacles to Peace in the Southern Philippines?” CTC Sentinel 6.11-6.12 (November 2013): 15-17. Web. 20 Aug. 2015.
[41] Manlupig, Karlos. “The BIFF-ISIS connection and social media.” Rappler, 19 Sept. 2014. Web. 20 Aug. 2015.
[42] Chalk, Peter. “The Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters: The Newest Obstacles to Peace in the Southern Philippines?” CTC Sentinel 6.11-6.12 (November 2013): 15-17. Web. 20 Aug. 2015.
[43] Chalk, Peter. “The Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters: The Newest Obstacles to Peace in the Southern Philippines?” CTC Sentinel 6.11-6.12 (November 2013): 15-17. Web. 20 Aug. 2015.
[44] “BIFF open to talks.” Rappler, 29 Jan. 2014.Web. 20 Aug. 2015., Manlupig, Karlos. “Soldier injured in Cotabato rebel attack.” 23 Aug. 2012. Web. 20 Aug. 2015., “3 killed in rebel attacks in Maguindanao.” Rappler, 6 Aug. 2012. Web. 20 Aug. 2015.
[45] Chalk, Peter. “The Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters: The Newest Obstacles to Peace in the Southern Philippines?” CTC Sentinel 6.11-6.12 (November 2013): 15-17. Web. 20 Aug. 2015., Carcamo, Dennis, and John Unson. “BIFF men attack PNP, Army posts in Maguindanao.” Philstar, 20 Apr. 2015. Web. 20 Aug. 2015.
[46] “Philippine militants’ opposition to peace process, growing links with the Islamic State raise terrorism risks within Mindanao.” IHS Jane’s Intelligence Review, 27 Jan. 2015. Web. 20 Aug. 2015.
[47] Cabrera, Ferdinandh. “Ex-BIFF vice chair Tambako, 5 others arrested in GenSan; Usman still elusive.” GMA News, 16 Mar. 2015. Web. 20 Aug. 2015.
[48] Gutierrez, Natashya. “Aquino set to visit Davao despite Mindanao violence.” Rappler, 8 Aug. 2013. Web. 20 Aug. 2015., “5 BIFF rebels killed in Cotabato fighting—military.” Rappler, 11 Aug. 2013. Web. 20 Aug. 2015., “3 killed in rebel attacks in Maguindanao.” Rappler, 6 Aug. 2012. Web. 20 Aug. 2015.
[49] “3 killed in rebel attacks in Maguindanao.” Rappler, 6 Aug. 2012. Web. 20 Aug. 2015.
[50] Manlupig, Karlos. “Blast hurts girl, pregnant woman.” Rappler, 28 Jan. 2014. Web. 20 Aug. 2015., “US govt lists NPA, Abu Sayyaf, JI among foreign terrorist organizations in PHL.” GMA News, 20 June 2015. Web. 20 Aug. 2015.
[51] Tesiorna, Ben O., and Ivy C. Tejano. “Bukidnon bombers are ‘BIFF new recuits on test mission.’” Sun Star, 10 Dec. 2014. Web. 20 Aug. 2015.
[52] Samson-Espiritu, Arlene and Tim Hume. “Philippines honors 44 slain commandos with day of mourning.” CNN, 30 Jan. 2015. Web. 20 Aug. 2015.
[53] Fernandez, Amanda. “Roxas: 44 killed, 12 wounded in Mamasapano ‘misencounter.’” GMA News, 27 Jan. 2015. Web. 20 Aug. 2015.
[54] Casauay, Angela. “MILF conducts own probe into Maguindanao clash.” Rappler, 28 Jan. 2015. Web. 20 Aug. 2015., Unson, John and Alexis Romero. “Iqbal justifies attack; toll soars to 49.” The Philippine Star, 27 Jan. 2015. Web. 20 Aug. 2015., Geronimo, Jee Y. “‘Should we disregard history, hard work on Bangsamoro law?’” Rappler, 28 Mar. 2015. Web. 20 Aug. 2015., Unson, John. “Maguindanaon bomber Basit Usman killed?” Philstar, 3 May 2015. Web. 20 Aug. 2015.
[55] Julmunir I. Jannaral. “AFP braces for more BIFF attacks in ARMM”. Manila Times, 4 Jan. 2017. Web. 16 July 2018. <http://www.manilatimes.net/afp-braces-biff-attacks-armm/305185/>
[56] “Foreign Terrorist Organizations”. US Department of State. Web. 21 July, 2018. <https://www.state.gov/j/ct/rls/other/des/123085.htm>
[57] “Peace talks resume after deadly attacks.” Rappler, 7 Aug. 2012. Web. 20 Aug. 2015., Manlupig, Karlos. “Conflict displaces 24,000 in Maguindanao.” Rappler, 8 Aug. 2012. Web. 20 Aug. 2015.
[58] Julmunir I. Jannaral. “AFP braces for more BIFF attacks in ARMM”. Manila Times, 4 Jan. 2017. Web. 16 July 2018. <http://www.manilatimes.net/afp-braces-biff-attacks-armm/305185/>
[59] Chalk, Peter. “The Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters: The Newest Obstacles to Peace in the Southern Philippines?” CTC Sentinel 6.11-6.12 (November 2013): 15-17. Web. 20 Aug. 2015., “Philippine militants’ opposition to peace process, growing links with the Islamic State raise terrorism risks within Mindanao.” IHS Jane’s Intelligence Review, 27 Jan. 2015. Web. 20 Aug. 2015.
[60] Manlupig, Karlos. “Conflict displaces 24,000 in Maguindanao.” Rappler, 8 Aug. 2012. Web. 20 Aug. 2015.
[61] “Peace talks resume after deadly attacks.” Rappler, 7 Aug. 2012. Web. 20 Aug. 2015.
[62] Manlupig, Karlos. “MILF opens door for ex-comrades.” Rappler, 16 Oct. 2012. Web. 20 Aug. 2015.
[63] Manlupig, Karlos. “Conflict displaces 24,000 in Maguindanao.” Rappler, 8 Aug. 2012. Web. 20 Aug. 2015., Manlupig, Karlos. “BIFF to stop attacks—for now.” Rappler, 29 Aug. 2012. Web. 20 Aug. 2015., Manlupig, Karlos. “Military attacks major Moro rebel camp.” Rappler, 7 July 2013. Web. 20 Aug. 2015.
[64] Samson-Espiritu, Arlene and Tim Hume. “Philippines honors 44 slain commandos with day of mourning.” CNN, 30 Jan. 2015. Web. 20 Aug. 2015., Casauay, Angela. “MILF conducts own probe into Maguindanao clash.” Rappler, 28 Jan. 2015. Web. 20 Aug. 2015., “MILF, BIFF names involved in SAF 44 killing forwarded to DOJ—PNP.” Inquirer, 13 Aug. 2015. Web. 20 Aug. 2015.
[65] “MNLF, BIFF form alliance—report.” GMA News, 4 Feb. 2014. Web. 20 Aug. 2015.
[66] Whaley, Floyd. “New Clash in the Philippines Raises Fears of a Wider Threat.” The New York Times, 12 Sept. 2013. Web. 20 Aug. 2015.
[67] “Philippines security forces capture Islamic militant leader Mohammad Ali Tambako.” South China Morning Post, 12 May 2015. Web. 20 Aug. 2015., Cabrera, Ferdinandh. “Ex-BIFF vice chair Tambako, 5 others arrested in GenSan; Usman still elusive.” GMA News, 16 Mar. 2015. Web. 20 Aug. 2015.
[68] “Arrest of Tambako has weakened BIFF—military.” Inquirer, 17 Mar. 2015. Web. 20 Aug. 2015., “Press statement on the arrest of Mohammad Ali Tambako.” Armed Forces of the Philippines, 16 Mar. 2015. Web. 20 Aug. 2015. Marcelo, Elizabeth. “BIFF, Justice for Islamic Movement weaken with Tambako’s arrest.” GMA News, 16 Mar. 2015. Web. 20 Aug. 2015., Echeminada, Perseus. “BIFF putting up united front with other gorups.” Philstar, 7 Mar. 2015. Web. 20 Aug. 2015.
[69] Agence France-Presse. “Philippine militants pledge allegiance to ISIS jihadists.” Rappler, 15 Aug. 2014. Web. 20 Aug. 2015.