BIFF member killed in clash with MILF, soldiers in Maguindanao

CAMP SIONGCO, MAGUINDANAO– A member of the Islamic State-linked armed group in Maguindanao was killed following an encounter between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, the Philippine Army said.

Major Arvin John Encinas, speaking for the 6th Infantry Division, said elements of the MILF traded gunfire and mortar rounds with the group of Zaunudin Kiaro of the BIFF from 5 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Thursday.

As government forces moved in to support the MILF, the IS-linked BIFF fighters fled toward the village of Inidalan, Shariff Saydona town, also in Maguindanao using motorized boats.

Encinas said the MILF and soldiers later recovered the body of a slain BIFF member, later identified as Saudi Sabang.

Under the government ceasefire agreement with the MILF, soldiers and MILF fighters will be coordinating to neutralize lawless elements in MILF held areas.

Major General Cirilito E. Sobejana, 6th ID commander and head of Joint Task Force Central, lauded the MILF for its commitment to the ceasefire agreement and for helping the military prevent radical and extremist groups from infiltrating Moro communities to promote violent extremism. /muf