MAGUINDANAO — Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) gunmen seized six lumad farmers in Datu Hofer town in Maguindanao on Wednesday, but four of them managed to escape, authorities said Thursday. Tello said the abduction happened just as the military intensified its offensive against the Islamic State-inspired BIFF starting on Christmas Day. They were identifed as identified as Kannie MInggil, Mael Minggil, Elvin Minggil, Uzik Labina, Kew Mintos, and Kong Mintos. Military officials said the abduction of the six farmers were obviously in retaliation for the losses the BIFF had suffered following intensified military air strikes and ground assaults. ADVERTISEMENTEarlier on Wednesday, gunmen shot dead Diego Met Dagadas, a Teduday chieftain, in front of his home in Barangay Firis, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer December 28, 2017 12:11 UTC