'Notorious' BIFF sub-leader slain in Maguindanao op

From the Philippine News Agency (May 21, 2021): 'Notorious' BIFF sub-leader slain in Maguindanao op (By Edwin Fernandez)

CLEARING OPERATION. State forces conduct post-encounter operations in Barangay Lipao, Datu Paglas, Maguindanao where a notorious BIFF insurgent was killed during Friday’s encounter in Maguindanao. Recovered from slain BIFF sub-leader Abdulatip Pendaliday alias Commander Grasscutter (inset) were firearms, hand grenade, homemade bomb components, and shabu paraphernalia. (Photo courtesy of 6ID)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – The long arm of the law has caught up with an alleged large-scale drug trafficker-cum-terror bomber following a predawn joint police and military operation in Maguindanao Friday.

Abdulatip Pendaliday, alias “Commander Grasscutter,” also described by the military as a notorious sub-leader of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), died in a firefight with government forces in Barangay Lipao, Datu Paglas, Maguindanao.

Brigadier Gen. Roy Galido, Army’s 601st Army Brigade commander, said government forces conducting clearing operations encountered about 10 armed BIFF in Barangay Lipao that led to a 10-minute firefight.

“Pendaliday died from multiple gunshot wounds while his companion managed to escape, bringing with them wounded companions,” Galido said.

The slain terrorist was implicated in the murder of more than 20 people, including government soldiers and civilians in Maguindanao. He was also linked to kidnapping, motorcycle heists, and cattle-rustling.

“Pendaliday was also known big-time drug peddler selling shabu and supplying the BIFF with firearms and marijuana stuff,” Galido said.

Galido said Pendaliday’s comrades left him after he fell from bullet wounds in the head and body.

Soldiers found a .45-caliber pistol, a .38-caliber revolver, a hand grenade, shabu, ammunition, and bomb components in Pendaliday’s possession.

The suspect's remains were turned over to Datu Paglas police.

Galido said pursuit operations against remnants of the BIFF will "continue relentlessly to bring about peace" in the troubled Datu Paglas and the nearby towns.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1141105