Wednesday, March 11, 2015

20 BIFF, 2 soldiers killed in latest Maguindanao clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 11): 20 BIFF, 2 soldiers killed in latest Maguindanao clash

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao -- Twenty Moro bandits and two soldiers were killed in the latest skirmishes between Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and Philippine Marine troopers in Mamasapano, Maguindanao that erupted Tuesday.

Capt. Joann Petinglay, speaking for the 6th Infantry Division, said the encounter between 8th Marine Battalion Landing Team under Task Force Central and BIFF started at about 4 p.m. Tuesday and ended past midnight.

”Our troops clashed with about 70 BIFF armed men while the military was conducting clearing operations in Barangay Pusao,” Petinglay said.

About 20 BIFF members were killed and 30 others were wounded, Petinglay said, quoting a report from MBLT-8.

Without identifying the slain soldiers, Petinglay said their families have been fully informed.

Earlier reports said the elusive Filipino bomber Basit Usman was with the group but still managed to escape.

Task Force Central Commander Major General Edmundo R. Pangilinan, 6th Infantry Division chief, has extended his deepest sympathy to the families of the fallen soldiers who risked their lives during the heavy fighting with the bandits.

”Remains of the fallen soldiers are now being taken care of at the 6ID morgue,” Petinglay said.

Pangilinan assures the public that the firefight will not spill over to other areas of engagement and said that JTF Central will protect the civilians at all cost.

Earlier today, March 11, fighting erupted at the same area between the operating Marines troops and the BIFF.

To date, more than 100 BIFF have been killed and 60 other were wounded. Petinglay said the slain BIFF were buried by their retreating companions while others brought the wounded.

On the government side, six soldiers, including an Army captain and two lieutenants were slain and 27 others were wounded.

Petinglay said no civilian was injured since the fighting was in the middle of the marshland already deserted by non-combatants.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=743603

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