CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao del Norte — Two alleged members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) were killed in a clash with government forces in Datu Saudi Ampatuan town early at the dawn hours of Saturday, March 9, the Army here said. Gen. Jose Vladimir Caraga, 1BCT commander, said the remains of the two slain BIFF members were retrieved in the village of Kitango in Datu Saudi Ampatuan town, an area where the BIFF operates. At least 20 BIFF members were seen in the village by residents who alerted a military checkpoint nearby of the presence of the armed group. READ: 2 gunmen in doctor’s ambush in Maguindanao surrenderRillera said the Army had been prepared for possible retaliatory attacks from the extremists believed to belong to the Kagi Karialan faction of the BIFF. Earlier on March 3, a BIFF member was killed and another one who turned out to be the father, was arrested in Mamasapano, Maguindanao del Sur, following a firefight that ensued at 1:30 a.m. Edwin Fernandez, Inquirer Mindanao.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer March 10, 2024 18:08 UTC