2 civilians killed in AFP-BIFF clash

MAGUINDANAO, Philippines — Two women died after they were caught in a crossfire between members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and the military in Datu Saudi Ampatuan town yesterday.

Badria Alon, 40, and Lagabai Mohalidin died at the scene.  Noraisa Omar, 34, was wounded and taken to a hospital for treatment.

Lt. Col. John Paul Baldomar, 6th Infantry Division spokesman, said four soldiers were also wounded in the encounter.

Baldomar said government troopers were deployed to check the reported sighting of armed men in Barangay Kitango when the clash occurred.