Military: 3 BIFF members killed, 3 soldiers hurt in Maguindanao clash

From GMA News (Mar 1): Military: 3 BIFF members killed, 3 soldiers hurt in Maguindanao clash

At least three people were killed and three others were wounded in a gun battle late Friday evening between members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and government troops in Datu Saudi Ampatuan town in Maguindanao province.

Col. Edgar Gonzales, commanding officer of the First Mechanized Brigade based in Shariff Aguak town, confirmed that at least three of members of the BIFF – a breakaway group of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, were killed in the 30-minute firefight that started at about 11:55 p.m. near a military camp.

“The dead bodies  were immediately brought by their comrades," Gonzales said, citing information from residents and the Military's "people on the ground."

Also, he said no soldier was killed, but three were wounded during the clash.

But a BIFF leader belied Gonzales' claims, saying several soldiers were killed in the confrontation.

BIFF spokesman Abumisry Mama said they used at least 30 rounds of M-79 grenade launchers, walloping army troops inside the Second Mechanized Battalion camp, which is just 300 to 400 meters from their (rebels') position.

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

He denied the BIFF suffered fatalities and laughed about the claim three of their members were killed.

Mama said their fighters splintered into smaller groups when the military began conducting operations targeting BIFF camps in Ganta, Datu Piang and Datu Salibo towns.

“ We are now divided into smaller groups, we are on guerrilla fight and will continue with our struggle," Mama said.

Gonzales on the other hand said, “We are tightening our security measures, but knowing the BIFF, we believe they don't have enough capability and they are just doing propaganda [war].”

On the other hand, the BIFF also denied accusations their recent attacks were meant to sabotage the expected signing this March of the Comprehensive Compact Agreement between the government and MILF.

“ It’s [peace deal] a non-issue for us if they sign whatever... our struggle  continues... we have nothing to do with that (Comprehensive Compact Agreement),” Mama said.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/350701/news/regions/military-3-biff-members-killed-3-soldiers-hurt-in-maguindanao-clash