8 Moro rebels killed in Maguindanao clash

Members of the breakaway Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF). INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – Deaths of suspected members from the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters rose to eight in a firefight that ensued between the rebels and the military in Maguindanao early Tuesday.

The eight were killed during pursuit operations by the Army’s 45th Infantry Batallion, which led to the recovery of a 5.56mm calibre M653 rifle, Army’s 6th Infantry Division spokesman Col Dickson Hermoso said.

Five of the rebels were also injured.

The clash erupted after an oil tanker was strafed by the rebels in Bagan village in Guindolongan at 5:20 a.m.

A report from the Office of Civil Defense in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao said the driver of the oil tanker sustained gunshot wounds.

The incident prompted the military to close the Macasampen-Salbo route.

Troops from the 2nd Mechanized Infnatry Brigade diffused an improvised explosive device along the highway, or 300 meters away from a militia detachment.

At about 11:30 a.m., troops from the Army’s 68th Infantry Batallion and 62nd Division Reconaissance Company cleared the Bagan-Macasampen stretch of the highway and also diffused an IED on the road.

Pursuit operations are still ongoing, Hermoso said.

The incident prompted troops from the 45th Infantry Batallion to close a portion of the Cotabato-Isulan road for cleaning and security operations. It was re-opened at 12 noon.

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Originally posted at 4:25 p.m.