MILF clashes with members of Maute group

Members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. AP FILE PHOTO

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Friday clashed with members of the Maute group who were fleeing the military operations in Lanao del Sur, the military said.

Major Filemon Tan Jr.,  spokesperson of the Western Mindanao Command, said based on the report they got, the Maute group suffered casualties in the incident, which took place in the borders of Buldon and Barira towns in Maguindanao province with Butig in Lanao del Sur.

Tan said the MILF members, led by a Jimmu Balitor, suffered two injuries in the 7 a.m. clash.

“Balitor’s group encountered the withdrawing Maute members under Abdullah Maute at the tri-boundary of Buldon, Barira and Butig,” Tan said.

He said the military in the area has been in coordination with Balitor’s group, and soldiers were also now conducting “complementary combat operations” near the clash site. JE/rga