BIFF sub leader killed in Maguindanao clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 19, 2022): BIFF sub leader killed in Maguindanao clash (By Edwin Fernandez)

BIFF FIREARMS. The high-powered firearms recovered from slain Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters sub-leader Ramos Amilil following an encounter in Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Maguindanao Monday (July 18, 2022). Recovered near the rebel’s body were two rifles and ammunition, among others. (Photo courtesy of 6ID)

A sub leader of the extremist Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) was killed in an encounter with government forces in Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Maguindanao, the military said Tuesday.

Col. Oriel Pangcog, the Army’s 601st Brigade commander, identified the fatality as Ramos Amilil, the leader of the BIFF group operating in the peripheries of the town.

“Ramos who led the fully-armed BIFF under Muslimin Amilil of the 2nd Division of BIFF-Karialan faction died during the encounter in Barangay Duguengen that occurred on Monday morning,” Cadiente said, quoting a report from the Army’s 33rd Infantry Battalion (IB)

He said 33IB troopers were conducting military operations at the outskirts of the village when they chanced upon Ramos’ group.

“A 10-minute firefight erupted, after which the BIFF members scampered towards different directions leaving behind their slain comrade,” Pangcog said, adding that no one was reported hurt on the government side.

Recovered near Amilil’s body were an M16 rifle, an M14 rifle, a bandolier, and several pieces of ammunition.

Maj. Gen. Roberto Capulong, acting commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division and concurrent Joint Task Force Central chief, lauded the 33IB troops for their unwavering commitment to curb lawlessness.

“The death of Amilil is a big loss to the BIFF, a local terrorist group. Members of the weakened BIFF-Karialan faction who remain entangled in their twisted violent ideology and terroristic ways must surrender now, so no more blood will be shed in the futile struggle,” Capulong said.

Since January, three BIFF members have been killed,133 surrendered, and some 105 high-powered firearms recovered from the group.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1179247