Maguindanao—At least five bandits from the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, a local terror group under King Metin of Bungos faction in Maguindanao, were killed in a continuing military operation this week.
They were killed in a 35-minute encounter with the troops of 57th Infantry Battalion at around 8:30 in the evening in Brgy. Meta, Datu Unsay, Maguindanao.
A civilian resident relayed an information to the army that the group would launch an attack on the army detachments in retaliation of their setback in the continuing operation in Liguasan marsh.
Two bodies, identified as those of Turman Aber and Mansor Mohammad, were recovered during clearing operation while the other bodies identified as those of Yaser Yusop, Mutin Talib and certain alias Mamalu were brought by their comrades to be buried in So Lab, in Shariff Aguak Maguindanao.
Also recovered were M16 rifle, M653 rifle, M203 grenade launcher, magazines, and ammunition.
Another encounter transpired in Brgy Limpongo, Datu Hoffer of the same province when other BIFF members attacked the military detachment in Brgy Limpongo at around 9:00 p.m on the same day with no casualties on the government side.
After the exchange of fire, riding in-tandem motorcycle men armed with M16 rifle fired deliberately at a civilian community of the same barangay killing Ricky Udas, a resident in the area.
The 601st Brigade Commander Brig. Gen. Diosdado Carreon said the terror activities against military, police, and civilians were pre-empted “due to pro-active measures we have been conducting with the help of the communities who deride conflict and violent extremism.” Mark Navales
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family of the innocent civilians killed in the incident caused by the barbaric acts of the BIFF terror group,” said 6th Infantry Division Commander Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana.