2 BIFF members killed in Maguindanao

MANILA, Philippines - Two members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and one soldier were killed in violent incidents that erupted in Maguindanao last Thursday.

Col. Dickson Hermoso, spokesman of the Army’s 6th division, said one soldier was killed and three others were hurt after an improvised explosive device believed to be planted by BIFF militants went off at 12:45 p.m. in Barangay Maitumaig, Datu Unsay town.  

A clash occurred at around 5 p.m. after pursuing troops from the 45th battalion and the 1st Mechanized Battalion caught up with the rebels in Barangay Meta in the same municipality at around 5 p.m.

Hermoso said at least two BIFF members had been killed during the firefight which lasted for about an hour. There were no reported casualties from the side of the military.

“Government troops are still in pursuit mode as of this report,” he said.

The BIFF broke away from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) because of differences over the peace talks with the government.

The BIFF has criticized the MILF for abandoning its original stance of independence from the Philippines.

Last March, the government and the MILF signed a final peace agreement that would pave way to the creation of a Bangsamoro region with enhanced political and fiscal autonomy. (V. Amoroso and A. Bajo)