By PNA
AMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – Two Daesh-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) were killed and two others injured during a brief firefight in Shariff Saydona, Maguindanao Monday night, the Army here reported.
Major Gen. Arnel dela Vega, Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID) commander and head of Joint Task Force Central (JTFC), said the BIFF was frantic to get back at the military following their losses in recent clashes, including the discovery of a firearm fabrication shop in Datu Salibo, Maguindanao on Sunday.
Lt. Colonel Gerry Besana, JTFC spokesperson, said the recent BIFF act of revenge took place in Barangay Nabundas, Shariff Saydona Mustapha.
About 16 BIFF bandits, led by Commander Samad Simpal, harassed a detachment of the 40th Infantry Battalion at around 7:40 p.m. on Monday, triggering a brief clashes that left two BIFF killed and two wounded.
“They are desperate to get back at the Army, they continue to harass our detachments,” Besana said, adding that no casualty was reported on the government side.
Another clash erupted Tuesday morning when gunmen fired at 40th IB troops conducting clearing operations in the previous night’s clash site.
The rebels fled when the Army returned fire.
Two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were also recovered and safely deactivated by Army bomb experts.