4 soldiers killed in separate terrorist attacks in Mindanao

From the Daily Tribune (Jun 24): 4 soldiers killed in separate terrorist attacks in Mindanao

Two Army soldiers were killed after being ambushed by members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) near a military camp in Maguindanao province on Monday, a military spokesman said yesterday.

Capt. Jo-Ann Petinglay, public information officer of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (ID), said that the two soldiers, both members of the 34th Infantry Battalion (IB), were unarmed during the ambush.

“They were unarmed and wearing athletic uniform,” said Petinglay of the two fatalities whose identities were not made available.

The two soldiers were rushed to a local hospital by their comrades but were declared dead upon arrival.

According to Petinglay, the two Army men were aboard a motorcycle at around 3 p.m. en route to get some tools at the Old Capitol Building in Shariff Aguak town when they were fired upon by the BIFF men.

The victims’ motorcycle was taken by the suspects.

The incident happened about 50 meters away from the Old Capitol Building which is now being used as military camp.

Petinglay said that the two soldiers were involved in the rehabilitation project of Meta Elementary School in Datu Unsay town.

“The incident clearly manifest that the BIFF members are treacherous and will eventually strike at soldiers who are not involved in actual combat operation if given the opportunity,” Petinglay said.

“This only further proves that the group does not care for the welfare and the future of the children within their communities,” she added.

Tagged as peace spoiler by the government, the BIFF is a breakaway faction of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) which is in the final stages of striking a peace agreement with the Aquino administration.

Meanwhile in Basilan, two soldiers were killed while three others were wounded in two separate bombings staged by the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group in Basilan province yesterday.

Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc, military Public Affairs Office chief, said that the first explosion hit elements of the 64th Infantry Battalion (IB) at around 8:30 a.m. while patrolling along Sapah Bulak in Sumisip town.

Two soldiers were killed during the explosion while another was wounded but on stable condition.

At around 10:10 a.m., a roadside bomb was hit by patrolling elements of the 18th IB along Unkaya Pukan in Tipo-Tipo, wounding one soldier. Another soldier was wounded during the ensuing running gunbattle.

Cabunoc said that additional forces were deployed in the area to conduct pursuit operations against the Abu Sayyaf bands responsible in the twin bombings.

Cabunoc pointed to the group of ASG leader Furuji Indama as responsible in the attacks against the Army troops.

“Presently, pursuit operations are being conducted by the 18th and 64th IB, including the 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion,” Cabunoc said.

Relatedly, a wanted Abu Sayyaf man identified as Abdullah, alias Alcobar, was arrested by combined military and police forces in Lantawan.

Cabunoc said that Abdullah did not resist when he was accosted by elements of the Marines, Navy Special Operations Group and local police.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/4-soldiers-killed-in-separate-terrorist-attacks-in-mindanao