3 BIFF bandits slain in Maguindanao AFP ops

COTABATO CITY – Three members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) were killed in a military offensive in Mamasapano, Maguindanao del Sur on Monday.

The fatalities, identified only as Suharto, Salik and Badrudin, were carried by their companions as they fled, according to barangay officials and community elders.

The Army’s 33rd Infantry Battalion launched the attack after villagers reported the presence of BIFF gunmen in Barangay Liab.

Col. Oriel Pangcog, 601st Infantry Brigade commander, said an M16 rifle, three .38-caliber revolvers and a .45-caliber pistol were among those recovered during clearing operations.

Soldiers also recovered 40-millimeter grenade projectiles, an 81-millimeter mortar round rigged with a blasting mechanism that can be detonated from a distance using a mobile phone, and six improvised explosive devices at the scene.