3 IS-linked gunmen slain in Maguindanao offensives

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao –– Three members of the Islamic State-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) were killed Tuesday during continuing military operations in Maguindanao.

Major Gen. Diosdado Carreon, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Central, said the continuing military offensives against the BIFF under Commander Bungos was launched in Shariff Saydona Mustapha town.

After airstrikes, ground troops from the 33rd Infantry Battalion and 12th Special Forces Battalion conducted clearing operations that led to the recovery of the bodies of three slain BIFF men in Barangay Pusao, Carreon said.

Carreon added that government troops further recovered one 5.56-mm K2 assault rifle and one caliber .45 pistol.

The remains of the slain BIFF members were turned over to local officials, led by village councilman Abo Kalim, so they can be given decent burials in accordance with Islamic tradition.

Continuing operations also led to the recovery of three Armalite assault rifles, improvised explosive devices, and six hand grenades in Barangay Pamalian, also in Shariff Saydona Mustapha town.

“These recoveries connote operational success while our troops on the ground build up their focused military operations to hunt and pound the remaining terrorists in Central Mindanao,” said Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

Edited by LZB