BIFF leader, companion slain in ‘shootout’

MANILA, Philippines — A suspected leader of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and his companion were killed in an alleged shootout with law enforcers in Tacurong City in Sultan Kudarat yesterday.

Abdulkarim Lumbatan Hashim, known for his alias of Jacket, and his companion who has yet to be identified, suffered multiple gunshot wounds and died at the scene.

Police and military personnel were supposed to serve an arrest warrant in Purok Yellow Bell in Barangay New Isabela when the suspects reportedly opened fire.

Col. Richard Verceles, operations chief of Area Police Command-Western Mindanao, said the suspects had standing warrants for murder and frustrated murder.

Hashim and his followers were tagged in the ambush that killed Ampatuan police chief Lt. Reynaldo Samson and his escort Cpl. Salipudin Endab in Barangay Kapinpilan in August last year.

Hashim’s group was also accused of attacking Army units under the 6th Infantry Division in Maguindanao del Sur.