MILF, BIFF clash anew: 2 dead

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 18): MILF, BIFF clash anew: 2 dead

Fighting erupted anew Sunday between government-allied Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and ISIS-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Maguindanao, leaving two MILF fighters killed and four others injured, police said.

Senior Supt. Agustin Tello, Maguindanao police provincial director, said Monday the fighting between the MILF Task Force Ittihad (Unity) and BIFF, an armed group operating in Maguindanao second district who pledged allegiance to ISIS, erupted at 1 p.m. Sunday in Barangays Tee and Andavit, Datu Salibo, Maguindanao.

The slain MILF fighters were not identified in the report. Those injured were Surani Abelusa, 50 of Midsayap, North Cotabato; Taha Sabpa, 30 of Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao; Mustapha Musa, 40, of Mamasapano, Maguindanao, and Mokamad Kadil of Pigcawayan, North Cotabato, all followers of MILF Commander Ustsdz Goma.

Tello said MILF and Datu Salibo poluce could not say how many BIFF terrorists were killed in the three-hour clash.

The MILF had been hunting down ISIS-inspired group led by Abu Toraife after the terrorist group tried to infiltrate MILF held areas in Maguindanao.

Under the government and MILF ceasefire agreement, the MILF committed to help the government get rid their communities of terrorists and other lawless elements.

The government and the MILF signed a peace deal in 2014 aimed at ending the decades-old Moro problem in southern Philippines.

The injured MILF fighters are now confined at the Cotabato Regional and Medical Center in Cotabato City.

Tello said sporadic fighting continues as of posting.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1009813