Maguindanao clashes between government troopers and BIFF on 3rd day; no casualties on government side

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 28): Maguindanao clashes between government troopers and BIFF on 3rd day; no casualties on government side

The Armed Forces of the Philippines on Tuesday said there are no casualties on the government side so far, in the on-going clashes between government troopers and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) as hostilities continue on its third day.

AFP public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala however said there are now 17 BIFF members killed.

Zagala added that sporadic fighting is still ongoing in Sharif Saydona Mustapha town in Maguindanao.

He added that sufficient troops are at hand to prevent the BIFF from breaking out and spreading the hostilities to adjoining communities.

Zagala said that latest estimates place the fighting strength of the BIFF at 300.

The AFP public affairs office chief stated that they have informed the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) about the ongoing law enforcement offensive against the BIFF, adding that elimination of the group and other auxiliary threat groups will help in ensuring that peace will finally come in Maguindanao.

The offensive against the BIFF started over the weekend after intelligence reports reveal that Umbra Cato, the erstwhile leader of the group, was in Datung Piang, Maguindanao.

Strikes were then conducted after a number of the brigands were spotted in Sharif Saydona Mustapha town, Sultan Sa Barongis, all in Maguindanao and Pikit, North Cotabato.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=610141