2 extremists slain in Army offensives in Maguindanao del Sur

Maguindanao del Sur. INQUIRER FILES

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao del Norte — Two alleged members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) were killed in a clash with government forces in Datu Saudi Ampatuan town early at the dawn hours of Saturday, March 9, the Army here said.

Maj. Gen. Alex Rillera, commander of the 6th Infantry Division, said the Army’s First Brigade Combat Team were conducting a military operation at 5 a.m. in the area when the clash happened, leaving two BIFF members dead.

Brig. Gen. Jose Vladimir Caraga, 1BCT commander, said the remains of the two slain BIFF members were retrieved in the village of Kitango in Datu Saudi Ampatuan town, an area where the BIFF operates.

Also found in the clash site were an M16 rifle, caliber 50 homemade Barret rifle, ammunition and two improvised explosive devices, Caraga said in his report to Rillera.

At least 20 BIFF members were seen in the village by residents who alerted a military checkpoint nearby of the presence of the armed group.

READ: 2 gunmen in doctor’s ambush in Maguindanao surrender

Rillera said the Army had been prepared for possible retaliatory attacks from the extremists believed to belong to the Kagi Karialan faction of the BIFF.

Earlier on March 3, a BIFF member was killed and another one who turned out to be the father, was arrested in Mamasapano, Maguindanao del Sur, following a firefight that ensued at 1:30 a.m. Edwin Fernandez, Inquirer Mindanao.