6 BIFF believed killed in Maguindanao clash with Marines

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 15): 6 BIFF believed killed in Maguindanao clash with Marines

DATU SALIBO, Maguindanao -- At least six outlawed Bangsamoro guerrillas and a Marine combatant were killed in Monday night's clashes in a remote village here, military and officials here said.

Another Marine officer was slightly injured during the 8 p.m. skirmishes involving members of the 25th Marine Company of the Marine Battalion Landing Team (MBLT-5) and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Barangay Andavit, Datu Salibo, Maguindanao.

A report from the 6th Infantry "Kampilan" Division here said the injured Marine lieutenant is now undergoing treatment at Camp Siongco Hospital. The identifies of the victims were not immediately available until their next of kins are fully informed.

Undercover of darkness, an undetermined number of BIFF bandits crawled toward the positions of Philippine Marines and Army Special Forces in Barangan Andavit, part of the vast Liguasan marshland.

An hour-long firefight ensued until the BIFF fled deep into the marshland after the Army fired rockets and artillery toward the enemy position.

The Army report said at least six BIFF were seen lying dead in the clash site but were immediately taken by their comrades and buried according to Islamic rites. Civilians also reported seeing BIFF fatalities carried by their comrades as they fled.

An Army captain involved in the fight against the BIFF said civilians have reported the lawless group suffered heavy casualties but the military could not independently confirmed such reports.

The Marines and Army Special Forces form part of the perimeter defense and security of a PHP58-million flood control project that, once completed, will save many towns from floods.

The same project was harassed by the BIFF last February 5 after its demand for extortion money was denied by project contractors.

A month-long air and ground assaults defeated the BIFF which dispersed toward the marshland, leaving the project site. Last week, the construction works have resumed with military and Marines securing the project site.

Following last Monday night's offensive, the military in Maguindanao has alerted all its units in its area of jurisdiction for possible "diversionary tactics of the bandits."

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