BIFF attacks military camp in Maguindanao, 4 killed

Cotabato City--- At least four were killed and two others were wounded after an intense battle between  Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and troops from 2^nd Mechanized battalion in crossing Salvo, Datu Saudi Ampatuan,Maguindanao.

Troops from 2nd Mechanized Battalion on alert

Col. Edgar Gonzales, commanding offficer of 1^st Mechanized brigade based in Shariff Aguak town confirmed that at least three of BIFF members were killed in a 30-minute exchange of fire when the lawless group harassed their camp battalion that started around 11:55 pm.

“The dead bodies  were immediately brought by their comrades, this report was confirmed by local residents and our people in the ground”, Gonzales said.

Three personnel from government soldiers were also wounded and no one has died, according to the military official, contrary to what has BIFF  claimed that several soldiers were killed during their attack and ambush friday night.

BIFF spokesman Abumisry Mama said, they used at least 30 rounds of M-79 grenade launchers, walloping army troops inside the 2^nd mechanized battalion which is 300 to 400 meters distance of gun battle from their position.

“ We could surmise they have several fatalities during our attack in the camp and ambush on their reinforcement”, Mama said.

Troops conducting security patrol

He denied they suffer fatalities on their side and just laughed about the three members of BIFF who were killed in last night’s encounter.

Mama said, they had regroup to smaller factions after the recent law enforcement operation conducted by government troops in their camps in Ganta, Datu Piang and Datu Salibo town communities.

“ We are now devided into smaller groups, we are on guerilla fight and will continue with our struggle’, Mama stressed.

Col. Gonzales on the other hand said, “ We are tightening our security measures, but knowing about the BIFF, we believe they dont have enough capability and they are just more on propaganda”, the official said.

Meanwhile, the BIFF denied that the attack is meant to sabotage the coming of signing of Comprehensive Compact Agreement  between the government and MILD which was assured not less that President Aquino that will be timelined this month.

This was  after the finalization of the last parts of framework agreement of which crested on "normalization" deal detailing how the rebels will hand over their weapons and the creation of a security force to police what will be a self-ruled Muslim region.

“ It’s a non-issue for us if they sign whatever, our struggle  continues, nothing to do with that (comprehensive compact agreement)”, Mama said.

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