BIFF bomb expert killed in shootout

MAGUINDANAO, Philippines – An alleged bomb expert of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) was killed in a shootout with government operatives yesterday, according to the military.

Murad Ali, alias Abu Mohammad, reportedly opened fire when agents of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and personnel of the Datu Odin Sinsuat and Maguindanao police served two warrants of arrest at his hideout in Barangay Capiton.

Police said a mortar projectile, an Ingram 9mm machine pistol, four mobile phones, a laptop, a global positioning system and bomb materials were among those recovered from Ali’s hideout.

The Army’s 19th Infantry Battalion and 5th Special Forces assisted the police in the operation.

Ali was reportedly trained in bomb-making by Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir, alias Marwan, and Abdulbasit Usman, who were killed by police commandos in Mamasapano in January 2015 and in a military offensive in Guindulungan in May, respectively.

“The slain suspect, aside from being the protegé of Basit, is one of the most senior BIFF leaders,” a military report stated.

Chief Inspector Achmad Alibonga of the Datu Odin Sinsuat police and officials of the CIDG-Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao told The STAR they learned of the presence of Ali in Barangay Capiton from residents.

Senior Superintendent Agustin Tello, Maguindanao police director, said they also received reports that Ali was making bombs as the BIFF was plotting more bomb attacks.

The BIFF is suspected to be responsible for more than 20 roadside bombings in Central Mindanao in recent months.The bandit group lost more than 30 men in clashes with the police and military in the past 12 weeks. – With Jaime Laude