Rebels allied with the Islamic State attacked and killed a government militia on Wednesday in North Cotabato’s Pikit town in the restive southern region of Mindanao, police said.
It said the 33-year old Rodel Abellanida, a member of the Citizen Armed Forces Geographical Unit, was killed on the spot in Bualan village after a band of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) opened fire on the militiaman.
The attackers escaped after the killing. Abellanida’s body was recovered by other government militias under the 38th Infantry Battalion. Police said the victim was tending to his farm animals when rebels shot him.
Troops were sent to track down the rebels who are responsible in the spate of attacks against military targets in the province. The BIFF has vowed to launch more attacks not only in North Cotabato, but also in neighboring provinces of the troubled Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat where it is actively operating.
BIFF leaders have pledged allegiance to the Islamic State and is pursuing a deadly campaign in the region in an effort to put up a caliphate in Mindanao, home to over 4 million moderate Muslims.
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