2 soldiers wounded in BIFF attack in Maguindanao

Members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) INQUIRER File Photo

MANILA, Philippines—Two soldiers were wounded in an ambush by the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Maguindanao province on Monday morning, a military official said.

They were part of the two platoons, or about 60 soldiers, from the Army’s 45th Infantry Battalion who were conducting security patrol in Barangay (village) Nabundas in Sharriff Saydona Mustapha after an improvised explosive device was reported in the area.

Around 30 BIFF members led by alias Bisayas and alias Commander Sanad fired at the soldiers about 8 a.m., said Captain Jay Maniwang, civil military operations officer of the Army’s 601st Brigade.

“The 6th Infantry Division condemns incidents which might create fear and terror among innocent civilians and is calling on the support of the populace, the [local government units] and [Moro Islamic Liberation Front] and [Moro National Liberation Front] forces to keep watch over the security situation of their respective areas by giving accurate information regarding terror activities and plans of any threat groups,” Maniwang said.

Last month, a series of blasts which left four killed and over 40 injured rocked neighboring Cotabato province. The attack was also blamed on the BIFF, a breakaway group of the MILF.

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