Army troops capture BIFF training camp in Maguindanao

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

COTABATO CITY, Philippines – After hours of mortar shelling and ground assaults Monday, the military here announced the capture of a major training camp of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

Lieutenant Colonel Markton Abu, chief of the 33rd Infantry Battalion, said the rebels have fled, leaving their camp situated in Sitio Pedtad, Barangay Midpantakan, Gen. Salipada K. Pendatun, Maguindanao.

Howitzers were fired toward the Liguasan marshland, which was part of Salipada Pendatun town, sending the rebels to disperse to smaller groups toward the marshland.

Abu, who lost two soldiers during BIFF attacks Saturday, said the captured camp belonged to the 2nd division of the BIFF, which served as its launching pad in attacking Army positions in SK Pendatun town and in President Quirino, Sultan Kudarat province.

Two soldiers were killed and three others were wounded when BIFF simultaneously attacked two Army bases in adjacent towns. Corporal Daniel T. Valenzuela III died on the spot while PFC Karl Bernie D. Arriba died at the hospital.

Abu could not say whether the BIFF suffered fatalities during the shelling, which began before dawn.

He said the rebels have also been harassing civilians, particularly farmers about to harvest their crops.

A farmer who asked not to be named said they were forced to arm themselves as self defense since the BIFF has been making them “target paper” while sniping from the marshland.