3 BIFF fighters killed in Maguindanao

Members of the breakaway Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF). AFP FILE PHOTO

KIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato—Three members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters were killed in clashes in Maguindanao on Sunday while a civilian was hurt in an improvised bomb explosion Monday morning, the Army said.

About 30 BIFF members harassed the camp of the 61st Division reconnaissance company of the 6th Infantry Division in Barangay Ganta, Shariff Saydona, Maguindanao late Sunday afternoon, according Col. Dickson Hermoso, regional Army spokesperson.

Although outnumbered, the soldiers engaged the attackers in a 30-minute firefight until the BIFF members retreated toward Liguasan Marsh.

Three BIFF guerillas were killed and their remains were taken by the village officials, Hermoso said, adding that more rebels were believed to have been wounded.

A soldier was wounded in the first volley of gunfire, Hermoso said.

According to Hermoso, the BIFF surrounded the reconnaissance company base situated on an elevated section of the village and fenced only with bamboo.

Abu Misry Mama, speaking for the BIFF, admitted their forces harassed the Army base but denied they suffered three fatalities.

At 6 a.m. Monday, an improvised bomb fashioned from 60-mm mortar exploded on a roadside in Barangay Salbu, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao, injuring a civilian passerby.

The Army blamed the BIFF for the blast.

Hermoso said the roadside bomb, triggered by a mobile phone, could have been intended for a military vehicle.

Hermoso said the highway linking Cotabato City and General Santos City remained passable.