2 Army men killed outside Maguindanao church

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

MANILA, Philippines — Two newly enlisted privates of the Philippine Army were killed on Tuesday by members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, an official said Wednesday.

Colonel Dickson Hermoso, 6th Infantry Division spokesman, said two elements from the BIFF who rode in a motorcycle shot and killed Private Rex Limpahan and Private Edward Nick Baes.

Limpahan and Baes were just coming off a church in Poblacion, Datu Piang, Maguindanao and were wearing their athletic uniforms.

“The soldiers went to church to light candles to thank the Lord as one of them is celebrating his birthday,” Hermoso said.

He added that the two were riddled with .45-caliber and 9mm bullets when they were found.

Limpahan and Baes were part of the 62nd Division Recon Company, 6th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army.

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