Militiaman killed in BFF attack in North Cotabato

KORONADAL CITY – Suspected Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) shot dead a militiaman in Pikit, North Cotabato on Wednesday.

Supt. Bernard Tayong, North Cotabato police spokesperson, identified the victim as Rodel Abellanida, 33, who was reportedly attending to his farm animals at around 9 a.m. in the village of Bualan when attacked by the rebels.

Tayong said the BIFF gunmen, numbering around 10, were led by Guinda Mamaluba, a BIFF sub-leader.

The Pikit incident was the latest incident involving the BIFF, following the launch of a massive military operation in Maguindanao on April 9.

On Monday night, two gunmen were also killed when BIFF forces harassed a military detachment in Saydona Mustapha town in Maguindanao.

Monday’s clash has brought to 15 the total number of BIFF gunmen killed since April 9. /ee