CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – Soldiers and Islamic State-inspired militants based in Maguindanao clashed anew on Friday in Rajah Buayan town, the military said. In a report, the 6th Infantry Division based here said one Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighter (BIFF) gunman was killed in the clash that took place at 3 a.m. The military has been battling the Toraife group, which had attacked Teduray communities in the province starting December 25. Firis, where BIFF founder Ameril Umra Kato had declared he was leaving the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in 2008. Toraife was identified by the military as an extremist, who also wanted to put up an Islamic wilaya or province in Maguindanao.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer January 26, 2018 13:18 UTC