20 suspected BIFF members injured in Maguindanao clash –military

From GMA News (Jan 6): 20 suspected BIFF members injured in Maguindanao clash –military

Some 20 suspected members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) were hurt as government troops overran its camp in Maguindanao on Monday, a military official said Tuesday.

Capt. Jo-ann Petinglay, public affairs office chief of the Army's 6th Infantry Division, said concerned citizens reported that they saw around 20 people, believed to be BIFF members, being carried by their retreating companions.

None from the government side was reported injured.

In a press statement, Petinglay said the government soldiers were able to capture on Monday morning the headquarters of the 2nd Division of the BIFF at Sitio Pedtad, Brgy Midpandacan, General Salipada K. Pendatun after hours of firefight.

She said they found within the camp about 50 huts with barricades, running trenches, and concrete post with overhead bunkers.

They also recovered improvised explosion device-making sketches and components believed to be used for IED making.

“It is believed that the incident is a big blow on the part of the terror group as the camp they lost is considered one of their main encampments where they conduct military and possibly IED-making training,” Petinglay said.

She added government soldiers are now occupying the BIFF camp and will be conducting pursuit operation against the group in the coming days.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/399480/news/regions/20-suspected-biff-members-injured-in-maguindanao-clash-military