30 BIFFs killed in Maguindanao – AFP

More than 30 members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) have been killed in continuing military operations against the brigand group in Maguindanao.

This was disclosed by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief Col. Noel J. Detoyato in a press briefing at Camp Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo.

Skirmishes between government forces and BIFF gunmen started Febru- ary 5 when members of the bandits group attacked and torched a dredging project in Butilen River, Datu Salibo, Maguindanao.

Detoyato said that as of reporting time, more than 30 BIFF men were reported killed based on the visuals of government troops and through the use of technology.

“Series of combat operations yan, during the clearing (operations) may mga resistance, yun nadadagdagan ang casualties ng kalaban,” according to the AFP PAO chief.

Detoyato said government troops are still conducting operations in the area.

“We have to drive away away yung resistance ng mga armado para matapos yung (flood control) project,” added Detoyato.

He also said that the military has yet to recover the bodies of the slain enemies, citing difficulties in crossing and moving through the marshy terrain in the area.

Earlier, AFP spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla announced that Army explosives ordnance experts have disarmed some 100 improvised explosive devices (IED) and other booby traps laid by the BIFF in Barangay Tee, Datu Salibo town which has been turned into a bomb making center by the brigand group.

Padilla said government troops are currently conducting clearing operations in the area after series of clashes with the BIFF over the past two weeks.

He added that three soldiers have been wounded as a result of the clearing operations.

The AFP spokesman likewise said that BIFF members have already left the village, some of whom may have gone underground.