Government troopers killed at least 20 members of the
Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) during clearing operations in
Barangay Kabasalan, Pikit, North Cotabato last
Saturday, initial reports from 602nd Infantry Brigade showed Monday.
Army artillery units fired at least 50 rounds of 105mm
howitzer in known BIFF positions in the area.
Shelling started at about 6 a.m. and ended at 1 p.m.
Saturday.
Col. Noel Clement, 602nd Infantry Brigade commander, said
this was the initial reports forwarded to him Monday by troopers conducting
clearing operations in the area.
"We do not have the exact figures of BIFF casualties
but based on the reports that we are getting, they (BIFF) probably sustained a
minimum of 20 casualties," Clement said in Filipino.
Around 150 to 200 BIFF men were believed to be sheltering in
the area plastered by Army artillery units.
Clement said that no pursuit operations are being undertaken
as of this time despite reports that surviving BIFF units have splintered and
now fleeing towards the direction of Sultan Sabarongis side.
The shelling is part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines
Government and MILF forces conducted operations against the
BIFF in an effort to neutralize and bring peace to areas being affected by the
brigands.
The MILF requested support from the military, in the form of
artillery, air support, and blocking units, in its drive against the BIFF.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=738146
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