Alleged BIFF member killed in Maguindanao encounter

August 31, 2017

An alleged member of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighter (BIFF) was killed and one soldier was wounded in an encounter in Maguindanao last Wednesday.

Capt. Arvin Encinas, Amy’s 6th Infantry Division spokesman, said the troops of 40th Infantry Battalion were conducting security operation when they encountered around 20 armed BIFF members at the vicinity of Barangay Tukanalipao, Mamasapano, Maguindanao around 11:20 am.

"The government troops also recovered one M16, one shotgun, one rocket propelled grenade (RPG) launcher, one hand grenade, assorted ammunition and improvised explosive device (IED) making components,” he said.

Major Gen. Arnel Dela Vega, Army 6th Infantry Division commander, recognized the cooperation of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to avoid clashes between their fighters and government forces.

“The cooperation of the MILF leadership in adhering to the provisions of the ceasefire agreement was also acknowledged as the conduct of the military operations had been coordinated to ensure no skirmishes between the government troops and BIAF occur,” he said. Robina Asido/DMS