BIFF terrorist slain, militiaman injured in Maguindanao clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 24, 2020): BIFF terrorist slain, militiaman injured in Maguindanao clash (By Edwin Fernandez)

SEIZED. The slain BIFF member's motorbike (left) and rifle (right) recovered following a 45-minute clash by government troopers with 10 BIFF gunmen in Datu Hoffer, Maguindanao on Wednesday (Dec. 23, 2020). A government militiaman was wounded in the same incident and is now being treated at a local hospital. (Photo courtesy of 1MIB)

A Daesh-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighter (BIFF) gunman was killed while a government militiaman was hurt in a clash in Datu Hoffer, Maguindanao on Wednesday afternoon.

Lt. Col. Cresencio Sanchez Jr., 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion (1MIB) commander, said government forces manning the Limbongo Patrol Base were conducting clearing operations in the camp vicinity when they encountered about 10 BIFF gunmen.

A 45-minute gun battle ensued, resulting in the death of a BIFF terrorist and the wounding of a member of the local Civilian Active Auxiliary Force.

“We immediately deployed supplemental troops to reinforce the Limbongo base troopers who pursued the fleeing enemies in the mountainous part of Datu Hoffer,” Sanchez said.

The militiaman, whom Sanchez declined to identify for security reasons, sustained a gunshot wound on his left leg.

“He was rushed by the troops to the hospital for immediate treatment,” Sanchez said.

While clearing the encounter site, government troops recovered the dead body of the slain BIFF combatant identified as a certain Nasser Kandao.

Also recovered near Kandao’s body were an M16 rifle, his motorcycle, and two short rifle magazines.

The cadaver and the motorcycle were turned over to Datu Hoffer municipal police station while the retrieved firearm was deposited at the 1MIB headquarters for safekeeping.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1125592