BIFF attacks soldiers in North Cotabato, Maguindanao on New Year's Eve

From ABS-CBN (Jan 1): BIFF attacks soldiers in North Cotabato, Maguindanao on New Year's Eve

Suspected members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) attacked two military detachments in North Cotabato and Maguindanao on New Year's Eve, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said.

Around 40 armed men believe to be members of the BIFF harassed an Army detachment of Alpha Company of the 34th infantry battalion based in Barangay Nabalawag in the town of Midsayap in North Cotabato Saturday night.

It resulted in a 30-minute exchange of gunfire.

Norsel Bulaybulay, wife of a soldier, was slightly wounded in her hand after she was hit by shrapnel from a blast near the Army detachment.

Armed men believed to be members of BIFF also harassed the detachment of the 21st Mechanized Company in Barangay Elian in Datu Saudi-Ampatuan, Maguindanao at around 6 p.m. Saturday night.

No casualties were reported in the incident.

Lieutenant Colonel Warlito Limet, commander of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion, said they have received information that BIFF members will disrupt new year celebrations.

Limet, however, said the Army is on alert and is prepared to prevent any untoward incident.

http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/01/01/17/biff-attacks-soldiers-in-north-cotabato-maguindanao-on-new-years-eve