The number of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) casualties has reached 31 since a relentless campaign against the rebels was recently launched by government troops.
Only last Thursday, four BIFF men were confirmed dead just days after about 20 more rebels were neutralized during an intense gun battle.
Public Affairs Office of the 6th Infantry Division chief Captain G. Encinas said the number is sure to rise once verification of ground casualties is completed.
Encinas said BIFF Commander Ismael Abubakar alias Bungos is among the top leaders being pursued by troops from Joint Task Force-Central (JTF-C) which is being done in the tri boundary of Talayan, Guindulungan, and Datu Piang all in Maguindanao.
Other known BIFF leaders who are believed to be with Bungos include Ismael Abdulmalik alias Abu Toraype, Salahuddin Hassan alias Orak and six alleged Indonesian bomb makers who are being implicated in terroristic activities in this region. (FRANCIS T. WAKEFIELD)