3 bandits slain in Maguindanao clash

MAGUINDANAO, Philippines — Three members of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) were killed while four others were wounded in an encounter in this province yesterday morning.

The encounter broke out in the town of Shariff Saidona Mustapha, according to Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division.

Troopers were on their way to Barangay Linantangan to check the reported presence of armed men in the area when they were attacked by the bandits.

A firefight ensued, which resulted in the death of three bandits.

Authorities have yet to identify the fatalities.

Of the four wounded BIFF men, two were identified as Ali and Nasrudin.

Local officials and barangay leaders told journalists the bandits were followers of BIFF leader Muslimin Amilil.

Amilil is wanted for theft, drug trafficking and extortion, Uy said.