2 civilian fatalities recovered in North Cotabato clash

MANILA, Philippines — Two civilian fatalities were recorded from Monday’s clashes between government troops and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in North Cotabato, the military said.

Captain Anthony Bulao of the Army’s 602nd Brigade told INQUIRER.net that the two bodies were recovered on Tuesday morning.

The day-long intermittent clashes on Monday in several villages with the Moro gunmen resulted in the deaths of three soldiers (not four as reported) and wounding of two others. Four BIFF men were reportedly killed.

Colonel Dickson Hermoso, Army’s 6th Infantry Division spokesman, identified the two civilians as Ricardo Dionio, who was recovered decapitated in Dimapulot Malinao and Erwin Badao Viloan at Sitio (sub-village) Babonao with a gunshot on his head.

Some 150 BIFF attacked several villages in Midsayap town on Monday. Several civilians were trapped in the crossfire and at least 15 of them were abducted and used as “human shields.” They were later released.

Bulao said the government troops were conducting clearing and pursuit operations as of Tuesday morning.

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