DAVAO CITY-–Two members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) were killed after the operating troops of the 1st Brigade Combat Team (1BCT) clashed during the decisive military operations in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur, on Saturday at around 5:00 yesterday morning.
Brigadier General Jose Vladimir Caraga PA, Commander of 1BCT, said the two bodies of BIFFs were recovered by his troops whose identities are still being ascertained. The armed groups immediately fled after the military forces were unable to cope.
The military is still in hot pursuit and clearing operation at the scene of the encounter in Brgy. Kitango where an M16 rifle and ammunition were recovered, a Cal. 50 Homemade Barretts; and 2 IEDs (PVC pipe bombs). Currently, the military continues to hunt for about 20 BIFFs under the Karialan Faction who fled after the 1BCT operating troops clashed with other military units.
Major General Alex S Rillera PA, Commander of 6ID/ JTFC commended the government troops for the successful military operations.
“We continue to call on BIFF members to return to the government, because we will not beg to pulverize you if you continue to fight against our government. The guns and explosives that we recovered are only an indication of their evil plans that were thwarted by our soldiers”, Rillera said.
The Division Commander also asserted that no matter where the enemies hide, the military troops will be able to destroy them because of the army’s modern warfare technologies, something that Maj. Gen. Rillera BIFF, Daulah Islamiya and other extremist groups surrender and return to the government.
