6 BIFF men slain in foiled attack

MAGUINDANAO, Philippines — Six suspected members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) who tried to attack two barangays in Datu Saudi town were killed in a shootout with government troopers on Thursday.

The fatalities were identified as Zahir Onting, Samir Gublas, Ahmad Manial, Sainudin Alaw, Mongkas Said and a certain Karnu, said to be a minor.

The BIFF bandits tried to get near major roads in Barangays Lower Salbo and Kitango as provincial officials were preparing for a public consultation on the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) in a gymnasium in nearby Buluan town.

Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., Western Mindanao Command chief, thanked local officials for reporting to the 6th Infantry Division that BIFF gunmen were seen roaming in the two barangays.

Galvez said they received reports that the BIFF planned to derail the dialogue on the BBL to counter claims that it is a spent force.

More than 30 BIFF men  were killed and 21 others were injured in clashes with Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) fighters in this province last year.

Several other bandits were killed in clashes with government troopers and MILF guerrillas in North Cotabato.

Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu led provincial officials in reiterating their support to the proposed BBL during the dialogue.

Residents and leaders of the Muslim, Christian and indigenous communities participated in the dialogue initiated by several congressmen.