Fresh clashes between BIFF, military erupt in Central Mindanao

From InterAksyon (Sep 26): Fresh clashes between BIFF, military erupt in Central Mindanao

Fresh fighting between security forces and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters erupted in Central Mindanao Wednesday night and Thursday morning, the military said.

The clash between some 40 BIFF fighters and troops of the Army’s 602nd Infantry Brigade, which broke out around 5:30 a.m. in Barangay Lower Tibao, M’lang, North Cotabato, is ongoing as of this posting, Colonel Dickson Hermoso, 6th Infantry Division spokesman, said.

Thursday’s fighting followed skirmishes between the rebels, from a faction that broke away from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, and soldiers in Piadu Pulangi in Pikit town, North Cotabato, and Barangay Dasawao in Shariff Saidona Mustapha town in Maguindanao province late Wednesday night.

Hermoso said the latest fighting is a continuation of hostilities that began early Monday when BIFF fighters attacked three villages in Midsayap town.

As the rebels retreated, they reportedly took several hostages, including elementary school teachers and village officials, using them as “human shields.”

Although the teachers and barangay officials were eventually released, the rebels allegedly killed two farmers, one of whom was beheaded.

At least three soldiers and four rebels died in the earlier clashes.

Anticipating more rebel attacks, the military said it had deployed more troops to Central Mindanao.

The BIFF has rejected peace negotiations between the MILF and government, saying it will accept nothing less than an independent Moro state.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/71532/fresh-clashes-between-biff-military-erupt-in-central-mindanao