A civilian was killed while two of his companions were wounded after Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters bandits fired at them while retreating from pursuing security forces following a firefight at the outskirts of Maguindanao province.
Reports said Babay Dansalan was initially placed in critical condition following the attack but later died in a hospital while being treated. His wounded companions were identified as Maula Rerente Mangimblas and Dangalao Dangwa Akad, all residents of Barangay Dungan, Datu Montawal, Maguindanao.
The incident occurred after troops responded to a tip from a civilian on the plan by the terrorists to transport three Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) from Sitio Kabasalan, Barangay Darumpua, Sultan in Barongis, Maguindanao to Kabacan, North Cotabato.
As government forces approached the areas the BIFF bandits fired at them while fleeing towards the southern direction.
Troops from the 7th Infantry Battalion immediately conducted pursuit operations and chanced upon the bandits in Barangay Dunguan.
Reports said the bandit decided to leave the area, but while fleeing, deliberately fired at the civilians, wounding three of them.
Later, a suspected terrorist identified as Mohanid Kambilan and Abdulah Minilo were arrested and the military recovered two M16 rifles, one Garand rifle and a Caliber .45 pistol.
Four hours after the incident, civilians residents in the area spotted the bandits aboard two motorized boats. The bandits brought with them two dead suspected bandits and two wounded figures who had figured in the encounter with army troopers.
“The AFP along with the Local Government Unit of Datu Montawal is in close coordination to help the wounded civilians in their medical requirements,” Joint Task Force Central Commander Brigadier GeneralCirilito E. Sobejana said.
“Joint Task Force Central has sustained its focused military operations targeting the suspects of Isulan IED bombings, to give justice on the civilian victims. Manhunt operation is also strenthened in coordination with the PNP.”
“We further enhanced our security posture to ensure the safety and security of the community to preempt terror attacks in various areas”.
“Security is not the sole responsibility of the AFP and PNP, security is everybody’s responsibility,”Sobejana added.”