Farmer slain in BIFF attack

NORTH COTABATO, Philippines — A farmer was killed and three others were wounded in a gun attack in Midsayap town on Thursday night.

Franco Manticayan died at the scene. His wife and their two children were wounded when members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters led by a certain Haron Guiamalo strafed houses in their neighborhood in Barangay Tumbras.

Local officials said the attack could be meant to pressure villagers to pay protection money on a regular basis.

In Sultan Kudarat, Jerome Balaba, 15, was gunned down in Barangay Palumbe, Lambayong. 

Witnesses said the assailant lobbed a grenade when residents went out after hearing gunshots. At least 21 persons were wounded in the explosion.