Recent footage, reportedly filmed in January 2022, shows a kinetic anti terror joint operation between the Philippines Army and local police as they flush out Islamist insurgents in Maguindanao.

According to our source, five jihadist fighters were killed in the operation while no casualties were recorded among the soldiers and police. The militants are likely members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) organization. BIFF is a Muslim separatist group, fighting for an independent Islamic state. They splintered from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) when the MILF accepted a deal of autonomy rather than full independence.

The Philippines government forces have actually seen a lot of recent success in Maguindanao as many of the Islamist fighters continue to turn themselves in in exchange for amnesty. They key to the Philippines military's success in the region is a result of their close partnership with the local police forces. The police know the locals and know the area while the Army brings the firepower and decisiveness.