2 ‘bandits’ slain in Maguindanao clash

COTABATO CITY, Philippines — Two alleged members of the lawless group Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) were killed in an encounter in Maguindanao del Sur on Sunday.

The fatalities, identified only as Samsudin and Samad, were reportedly among a group of men who shot Army soldiers conducting a relief mission in Datu Hofer town on Friday.

Pfc. Jomar Saladar was killed while Sgt. Allan Rey Estanda and Pvt. Carla Araña were wounded in the attack that occurred in Barangay Labu-Labu II.

Samsudin and Samad reportedly belonged to a faction of the BIFF led by Kagui Karialan, who is wanted in more than 30 criminal cases.

They were on their way to nearby Datu Saudi town when troopers of the Army’s 33rd Infantry Battalion intercepted them.

A firefight ensued and resulted in the death of the bandits.

Maj. Gen. Roy Galido, chief of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division said that security has been tightened in areas vulnerable to BIFF attacks.