6 militants, 2 MILF men killed in clash

MAGUINDANAO – Six militants and two Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) guerrillas were killed in another encounter in Salibo town in this province on Sunday.

The fatalities from the militants’ side were identified only as Salem, Nasrullah, Sidik, Minandang, Musa and Asraf. Village leaders said four other militants were wounded.

Chief Superintendent Reuben Theodore Sindac, Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao police director, identified the slain MILF guerrillas as Mustapha Musa, 24, and Muhammad Kadil, 40, of the 105th Base Command.

Surani Abilusa, 50, and Taha Sabpa, 30, also from the MILF, were wounded and taken to a hospital for treatment.

Led by Esmael Abdumalik, a former leader of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, the militants have been engaged in gunfights with MILF guerrillas at the border of Barangays Tee and Andavit since Aug. 1. At least 18 MILF men and 25 militants have been killed.

MILF guerrillas have been running after Abdulmalik and his men in line with the 1997 Agreement on General Cessation of Hostilities, which the MILF signed with the government. The accord enjoins the MILF to help the police and military to maintain peace and order in flashpoint areas where there are MILF forces.

MILF commanders reportedly failed to convince Abdulmalik to renounce his links with the Islamic State.

Personnel of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division and Tactical Operations Group 12 of the Air Force have launched pursuit operations for the militants.