Soldier killed, 2 hurt in clash with suspected BIFF in Maguindanao

DAVAO CITY — A soldier was killed while two others were hurt in an encounter in the town of Datu Salibo in Maguindanao on Tuesday afternoon.

Capt. Jo-ann Petinglay, spokesperson of the Philippine Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said that a combined unit of government forces were providing support during a law enforcement operation when they were fired upon by suspected members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Barangay Tee at around 2 p.m.

Initial reports received by the division stated that a soldier died in the firefight while two others were wounded, she said.

Petinglay explained that the ongoing operations have been aimed at securing the communities and government projects from attacks by armed groups.

The attacking rebels were allegedly led by a certain Abu Zaiden.

The BIFF was created by former Moro Islamic Liberation Front commanders who left the organization after a series of serious disagreements on the conduct of the peace negotiations with the government.  SFM