Maguindanao BIFF attack: Soldier killed

COTABATO CITY, Philippines — A soldier was killed while another was wounded when members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) attacked a military outpost in Datu Salibo, Maguindanao del Sur on Thursday.

Cpl. Allan Balena of the 6th Infantry Battalion and personnel of the Citizen Armed Forces Geographical Unit were manning a detachment in Sitio Butalo in Barangay Sambulawan when the attack occurred, according to Col. Oriel Pangcog, 601st Infantry Brigade commander.

The wounded soldier is recuperating in a hospital.

Three of the BIFF men, including a minor, were reportedly wounded as the soldiers engaged them in a firefight.

A certain Jacket led the group of BIFF bandits, according to villagers, local officials and members of the municipal peace and order council.

Jacket’s group was tagged in the ambush of Ampatuan police chief Lt. Reynaldo Samson and his aide Cpl. Salipudin Endab in Barangay Kapinpilan on Aug. 29.