3 slain in BIFF attack

COTABATO CITY, Philippines — Three persons were killed by suspected members of lawless group Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in separate robbery incidents in Cotabato and Maguindanao del Sur yesterday.

Businessmen Ninonel Bentoy, 28, and Carl Denilla, 20, were on a motorcycle when armed men ambushed them in Datu Salibo, Maguindanao del Sur.

The victims had just collected payments from their clients when they were killed in Barangay Pagatin at round 8 a.m., according to Maj. Roldan Kuntong, Salibo police chief said.

The bandits took the victims’ motorcycle and bags containing cash.

Meanwhile, in Cotabato, Kaharudin Abo, 32, was killed in a robbery incident in Libungan town.

Probers said Abo was among passengers of a van that three men robbed at gunpoint in Barangay Batiocan.

One of the three robbers, identified as Abubakar Quezon, 28, was arrested following a brief chase.

A pistol was reportedly recovered from Quezon.