BIFF fighters killed in Maguindanao clash

Two other militants were seen wounded and being carried by comrades

Four alleged members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) were killed, while at least three more persons were injured when soldiers battled members of the militant group who entered a community in Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Maguindanao, the military said Monday.

Residents of that community confirmed the death of four rebels who they saw being covered with a malong, said Lt. Col. John Paul Baldomar, Army 6th Infantry Division public affairs officer.

Two other militants were seen wounded and being carried by comrades, Baldomar said in a phone interview.

One soldier was injured during the clash, but the injury was slight so he chose not to be taken to the hospital, he said.

Members of the 6th Infantry Battalion encountered an undetermined number of militants under the BIFF’s so-called “Karialan faction” around 2 a.m. Sunday, in Sitio Gadong, Barangay Pagatin 1.

Troops were able to react quickly as the military has already established a detachment near the community, he said.

Fighting lasted for about 3 hours because troops had to be careful, as there were several houses in the community and civilians were evacuating.

“It’s confirmed that they’re BIFF because during their withdrawal, the civilians saw them set houses on fire while fleeing,” Baldomar noted.

Residents of the about 15 houses affected by the clash, except for the burned house, returned after the military’s Explosives and Ordnance Disposal team cleared the area.

Ten improvised hand grenades like those usually made by the BIFF were found in the community, Baldomar said.