endIndex: Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 16) — The Philippine National Police moved to an offensive mode against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) amid the latter's increased attacks and recruitment efforts, the newly-installed chief said Sunday. PNP Chief General Guillermo Lorenzo Eleazar issued the directive Sunday, claiming the BIFF was "exploiting" the coronavirus pandemic to gain more members and inflict violence. "I agree with our Presidential Peace Adviser, Sec. Carlito Galvez, that it is easy now for the BIFF to recruit members because the pandemic has severely affected the livelihood of many people in Mindanao," he said. To suppress the recruitment and attacks, the official said the PNP would further strengthen its police operations against the group.