8 BIFF men die in clash with MILF guerrillas

MAGUINDANAO – Eight members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) were killed in an encounter with Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) guerrillas and Army soldiers in Maguindanao on Monday.

One died and two others were wounded on the MILF side.

The fatalities from the BIFF were identified only as Mosib, Abdullah, Sendi, Bonah, Onting, Zaide, Akmad and Junaid. They were alleged followers of Esmael Abdulmalik, a former henchman of slain Malaysian bomb maker Zulkifli bin Hir, alias Marwan.

Col. Diosdado Carreon, 601st Infantry Brigade commander, said the clash, which lasted for about two hours, occurred at the border of Barangays Tee and Andavit in Salibo town.

The MILF has been helping the military in running after the group of Abdulmalik since last month in line with the Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro which they signed with the government on March 27, 2014.

At least 16 MILF guerrillas were killed in recent clashes. Abdulmalik lost 33 followers.

Government troops and the MILF are bound to cooperate in addressing peace and security problems in potential flashpoints where there are MILF forces under the Agreement on General Cessation of Hostilities signed in 1997. They were also enjoined to help each other in neutralizing criminal gangs and terrorists.