TWELVE suspected members of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), including its alleged leader, were killed in an encounter in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur on Monday, the military said.
The firefight transpired after government troops encountered 15 rebels in Sitio Pendililang, Barangay Kitango, at 7:30 a.m., according to the Philippine Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID).
The military identified the slain suspected BIFF leader as Mohiden Animbang or Karialan, supposedly the chairperson of the Karialan Faction.
His brother, Saga Animbang, who allegedly served as the operation chief of the faction, was also among the fatalities, according to the military.
The military has yet to identify the 10 individuals who were killed in the operation.
Seven soldiers were also wounded in the clash, the military said.
Major General Alex Rillera, commander of the 6ID and Joint Task Force Central, commended the efforts of the operating troops.
“Mas nangingibabaw ang tungkulin ng inyong kasundaluhan na proteksyunan ang ating mamamayan laban sa paghahasik ng karahasan ng mga teroristang grupo, bagay na napilitan tayo na gamitan ng pwersa ang mga ito upang tuluyang matuldukan ang terorismo dito sa ating lugar,” Rillera said.
