MANILA, Philippines - At least 10,000 residents have been evacuated after clashes broke out recently between the military and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in two towns in North Cotabato.
There were reports that five BIFF members were killed in a firefight with Army troops last Saturday in the boundary of Aleosan and Pikit, North Cotabato.
The encounter occurred after authorities deactivated a roadside bomb planted by the BIFF in Maguindanao after another improvised explosive device exploded and injured two soldiers.
The BIFF is a splinter group of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
BIFF rebels have vowed to disrupt the peace negotiations between the MILF and the government. – With John Unson