Bomb-making components seized from BIFF members

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao -- Government forces in North Cotabato on Saturday clashed with Islamic State-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Pikit, North Cotabato that resulted in an undetermined number of terrorists wounded and recovery of bomb-making components.

Brig. Gen. Roberto Capulong, Army’s 602nd Infantry Brigade commander, said elements of 7th Infantry Battalion (7IB) were conducting operations in pursuit of BIFF bomb-makers known as Daurin Manampan and his brother Katato in Sitio Blah, Barangay Manaulanan, Pikit, at about 6 a.m. when a brief firefight erupted.

“The gunmen scampered to different directions, leaving behind personal belongings, bullets, mobile phones, and bomb-making components,” Capulong, quoting a report from Lt. Col. Neil Roldan, chief of the 7IB, said.

He added the government side had sustained zero casualties.

“Locals reported seeing a number of wounded BIFF being carried away by comrades,” Capulong said.

Capulong vowed to continue relentless manhunt operations against lawless elements and terrorists to ensure the safety of residents in its area of operation.

He also lauded the participation of the local Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) group in the operation against the BIFF.