BIFF ambush in Maguindanao town sparks clashes

MAGUINDANAO, Philippines -- Two bandits were killed while three soldiers were wounded in a series of firefights early Tuesday in Shariff Saidona town in Maguindanao.

The hostilities erupted when members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) ambushed a group of soldiers patrolling in Barangay Pamalian, sparking sporadic clashes that lasted until almost noontime Tuesday.

Local officials said the soldiers were dispatched to the area after barangay residents reported seeing BIFF gunmen lay improvised explosive devices along farm trails the day before.

Capt. Joann Petinglay, spokesperson of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said three soldiers were wounded in the ensuing encounters and are now being treated at a military hospital in Camp Siongco in Datu Odin Sinsuat town in Maguindanao.

Barangay residents said two BIFF bandits, initially identified only as Sangkay and Tongan, were killed by soldiers as they breached through their positions to drive them away.

Petinglay said the bandits who attacked the patrolling personnel of the 34th Infantry Battalion were led by Imam Karialan, who is wanted by the police for heinous offenses.