TAGUM CITY—A fresh clash erupted between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in Maguindanao, wounding 10 and claiming the lives of 5 others as the nation observed Palm Sunday, marking the beginning of the Holy Week.
Speaking for the BIFF, Abu Misry Mama, the Moro rebel group’s spokesperson, said that one BIFF fighter was dead while seven from BIFF were reportedly injured at Barangay Malanog, Datu Unsay and Barangay Pamalian, Shariff Saydona town, Maguindanao.
Mama also claimed that a military cargo 6X6 truck was torched by the BIFF forces.
Sunday’s gun battle also killed one soldier and wounded three more when BIFF rebels ambushed the military troops conducting a patrol in the morning at Barangay Pamalian, Shariff Saydona town, Maguindanao, a known lair of BIFF.
“The gun battle started around 9 a.m and lasted until 3 p.m,” says Mama.
In a news report, Col. Melquiades Feliciano, the 601st Infantry Brigade commander, was quoted as saying: “Our troops were on patrol in Barangay Malangob when they were fired upon by BIFF forces.”
But the BIFF said it will continue to protect its lair from the military and vowed to stage more attacks after the government troops declared a SOMO (suspension of military operations).
The SOMO was declared last week after government and education officials appealed to the military to halt the all-out offensive against the BIFF to allow the schools in conflict areas to hold graduation ceremonies. (davaotoday.com)
