Datu Unsay (outlined in red) in Maguindanao (Image from Google Maps)
CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao — Government troops clashed early on Sunday with members of the Islamic State-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in a remote village in Datu Unsay, Maguindanao.
No casualties were reported on both sides. But soldiers under Joint Task Force Central (JTFC) recovered high-powered firearms left by fleeing BIFF gunmen after the 6 a.m. encounter in Barangay Malangog.
Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, 6th Infantry Division chief and commander of JTFC, said elements of 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion clashed with about 10 BIFF gunmen. But the gunmen quickly fled, leaving behind assorted high-powered guns and explosives.
Soldiers recovered from a safe house used by BIFF Commander Bungos and his men in Barangay Malangog a .50-caliber Barret-type sniper rifle, an M16 rifle, an M14 rifle, a .45-caliber pistol, two improvised explosive devices (hand grenade type), three sacks of IED components, an ICOM antenna, assorted magazines. and ammunition and other war materiel.
The operation was launched after a concerned citizen reported the presence of the armed lawless group in the village situated beside the Liguasan marshland.
Sobejana lauded the civilians for quickly alerting the military about the presence of the BIFF in their village.
“We are very grateful for the trust and support you have shown your AFP, which boosted our morale and inspired us more to be of service to the people of Central Mindanao,” Sobejana said in a statement. /atm