7 BIFF men killed, 13 soldiers wounded in Maguindanao–military

SHARIFF AGUAK, Maguindanao—At least seven Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) gunmen were killed following sporadic fighting that started Friday in the towns of Datu Saudi and Datu Piang, the military said on Saturday.

Captain Jo-Ann Petinglay, 6th Infantry Division spokesperson, said a still undetermined number of BIFF members were also injured in the firefight and artillery fire from the military.

At least 13 soldiers—including a Huey helicopter copilot—were injured, she said.

Brig. Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan, commander of the 6th Infantry Division, said the copilot was hit by a sniper fire in the arm during evacuation of wounded soldiers.

“All wounded personnel only sustained minor injuries. They are already safe,” Pangilinan told reporters.

Col. Arnel de la Vega, commander of 603rd Brigade, said the operation was continuing.

“I cannot give you definite answers as to when the operation will stop. Our mandate is to pursue armed lawless groups and terrorists,” De la Vega said.

“Based on the reports we got about their movements, there are indication the key leaders, including Basit Usman, are still in Maguindanao,” he added.

Abu Misri Mama, spokesperson for BIFF, denied they suffered casualties but he confirmed that their forces engaged with the military in Datu Piang and Datu Saudi Ampatuan.