MILF commander, 4 others die in MILF, BIFF clash in Maguindanao-North Cotabato borders

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 15): MILF commander, 4 others die in MILF, BIFF clash in Maguindanao-North Cotabato borders

At least five persons, including a rebel leader, were killed as rival Moro rebel groups clashed Saturday night in the borders of Maguindanao and North Cotabato, the military said today.

Capt. Joanne Petinglay, speaking for the 6th Infantry Division, said the clash site between Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) was in Barangay Kalbugan, Pagalungan, Maguindanao.

“The clash site was deep inside the Maguindanao marshland and both sides suffered undetermined number of fatalities,” Petinglay said.

She said the group of BIFF Commander Shiek Muhiddin Animbang alias Commander Karialan and MILF Commander Jack Abas had been trading sporadic shots since last week which sent villagers fleeing in Barangay Kabasalan, Pikit, North Cotabato. Barangay Kabasalan is near Barangay Kalbugan of Pagalungan.

“A certain Datukong Ampuan alias Commander Falcon of the MILF’s 108th base command was killed and undetermined number on the BIFF side were also killed,” Petinglay said, quoting a report from 7th Infantry Battalion.

Lieutenant Colonel Audie Edralin, 7th IB chief, said the clash started at about 4:30 p.m. Saturday and ended at past 9 p.m.

He said Army intelligence operatives are still determining the number of fatalities from either side as both refuse to admit fatalities.

“The fighting area was very far from the civilian populace of Pagalungan and Pikit,” Petinglay said.

Abu Misri Mama, speaking for the BIFF, said the MILF suffered five fatalities, including Commander Falcon.

“We only have two fatality but I am still confirming ito. Ang confirm talaga, lima killed in action sa MILF,” Mama said in a phone interview.

Mama said the MILF under Commander Falcon initiated the fire fight. “Hindi kami nag una mag-fire sa MILF kasi Muslim brothers namin sila, umatake sila kaya we fire back,” he said.

Based on intelligence information, an Army official said both groups used mortars and high powered guns.

About 300 families who fled Barangay Kabasalan, Pikit, North Cotabato last week remained in several evacuation sites, according to Pikit social welfare office.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=735946