MILF sniper wounded in encounter with BIFF

From GMA News (Feb 19): MILF sniper wounded in encounter with BIFF

A sniper of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front suffered a seven-inch wound after figuring in an encounter with the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in Pikit town in Cotabato province Tuesday.

The sniper, who needed 10 stitches for the wound in his back, said the hours-long firefight started at 9 a.m., GMA News stringer Ferdinandh Cabrera reported.

He said the opposing forces managed to get within 70 meters of each other. During the fighting, he was hit in the back by a bullet of an M-14 rifle.

At least three others were wounded, he said.

But he said the MILF would not allow the BIFF to enter its territory.

"Hanggang gabi na yun eh, halos hindi na maputol ang bakbakan, mainit talaga yun, kaunti lang sila kaso lang alam nila ang area, kaya namin sila hinaharangan doon sa boundary kasi ayaw namin ang gawain nilang masama, hindi namin hahayaan na makapasok sila," he said.

Meanwhile, BIFF spokesman Abu Misry Mama said they suffered one fatality.

He added they do not consider the MILF an enemy, but admitted they are at odds with the MILF's eastern command chief, Jack Abas.

The BIFF is a splinter group of the MILF.

Meanwhile, a resident called for the BIFF and MILF to end their fighting as both are working for self-determination.

"Gusto namin na magkasundo na lang ang dalawang panig kasi Bangsamoro lahat yan sila, walang magka-iba dyan, iisa lang ang pinaglalaban nila, sa tuwing nagbabarilan yan sila iisa lang ang sinasabi nila, Allahu Akbar," said Bai Lumen.

The fighting has affected some barangays in Datu Montawal with 638 families or 3,200 people.

At least 18,200 civilians have been affected by fighting between the MILF and BIFF.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/440771/news/regions/milf-sniper-wounded-in-encounter-with-biff