Thousands displaced in BIFF, AFP encounters

COTABATO CITY, Philippines — More than 10,000 villagers have been displaced in Maguindanao since Thursday following encounters between soldiers and members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

Authorities said children and elderly residents of Shariff Aguak and Datu Unsay towns as well as Barangay Kitango in Datu Saudi Ampatuan were among those who fled their homes.

The military said seven BIFF bandits were killed in the clashes.

“We are in control of the situation. Hopefully we can clear these areas from enemy presence within the next few hours,” Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, 6th ID’s commander, said yesterday.