2 soldiers shot dead in fresh BIFF attack

COTABATO CITY – The Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) have intensified their “hit and run” tactic against security and law enforcement forces in Maguindanao.

Capt. Jo-Ann Petinglay, spokesperson of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division based in the said province, said two soldiers were killed when BIFF gunmen staged anew a similar attack in Datu Unsay town on Monday.

Pentinglay said the soldiers, both privates first class, were on their way to the Meta Elementary School in Datu Unsay when shot dead.

They were part of a team of Army engineers working on the rehabilitation of the said school, which was damaged during the all-out offensive in February, she said.

READ: MILF vs BIFF fight erupts

Petinglay said the two soldiers, whose identities were withheld pending notification of their next of kin, were riding in tandem on a motorbike when fired at by two men, who also rode in tandem.

“The victims were unarmed and were wearing athletics uniform when fired at,” Petinglay said.

“It was very unfortunate that these unarmed soldiers working for peace were killed in a treacherous way by the BIFF, they don’t even care for the future of the children in the area whom the soldiers were serving,” Petinglay said.

Monday’s attack was the third hit and run attack staged by the BIFF in the province since last week.

On June 15, a soldier was also killed while two others were injured in an ambush in Datu Piang town.

The following day, BIFF gunmen also shot dead two persons in Barangay Palian in Shariff Saydona Mustapha town. One of the victims wore a shirt marked with “Police.”

Abu Misry Mama, BIFF spokesperson, owned up to the attacks.

“No other group is now fighting the military, it is only the BIFF,” he said.