2 suspected Isulan bombers captured in Maguindanao

OTABATO CITY – Two suspected members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) said to be responsible in the recent twin bombings in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat were captured after an encounter between government troops and the Daesh-inspired Abu Turaifie Group (DITG) in Maguindanao Friday afternoon.

According to Capt. Arvin John Encinas, spokesperson of the Sixth Infantry Division (6th ID), Mohamid Kambilan and Abdullah Minola were nabbed after the encounter that also resulted in the unverified killing of three BIFFs, and the death of a civilian in the crossfire.

Kambilan and Minola were brought to Datu Montawal Municipal Police Station for detention and filing of appropriate charges.

Encinas said troops from the Seventh Infantry Battalion (7th IB) clashed with at least 10 suspected BIFF militants, who were led by a certain Gapang Sapal, in Barangay Tunggol, Datu Montawal in Maguindanao.

He said the government forces were conducting checkpoint in the area following information that criminal elements will be transporting improvised explosive devices from Sultan Barongis town, Maguindanao to Kabacan, North Cotabato when they were fired upon by the suspects.

Troops launched pursuit operation against the suspects who fled toward Barangay Dunguan, Datu Montawal while firing at a civilian area.

This resulted in the death of local resident Babay Dansalan, and wounding of Maula Mangimbas and Dangalao Akad.

The military has yet to verify whether there were casualties on the side of the enemies, but said civilians reported that the bodies of three suspects slain in the clash were fetched by unidentified men onboard two motorized boats around 7 p.m.

Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Joint Task Force Central commander, said the group of BIFF militants was among those involved in the spate of bomb attacks in Isulan Sultan Kudarat last August 28 and September 2 which left five people dead and 50 others injured.