By ZEA CAPISTRANO
DAVAO CITY – A member of the Islamic State-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) was killed in an encounter in Datu Hoffer, Maguindanao Wednesday morning, a military official said.
In a statement, the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) said the troops recovered the body of the slain BIFF member identified as alias “Nasser Kandao.”
The soldiers also recovered an M16 rifle, a XRM motorcycle, and two short magazines.
The WestMinCom said Kandao’s cadaver and the recovered motorcycle were turned over to Datu Hoffer Municipal Police Station while the firearm was deposited at the 1st Mechanized Battalion headquarters for safekeeping.
“Troops of the Limpongo Patrol Base were conducting checkpoint operations in Barangay Limpongo, Datu Hoffer when they encountered more or less 10 members of the BIFF,” Army commander Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr. of the Western Mindanao Command said in a statement.
Vinluan said the exchange of fires lasted for 45 minutes and resulted in the death of the BIFF member and the wounding of a member of the Civilian Active Auxiliary.
Lt. Col. Cresencio Sanchez, Jr., commander of 1st Mechanized Battalion, said the wounded CAA sustained a gunshot wound on his left leg.
“He was rushed by the troops to IPHO Maguindanao for immediate medical treatment,” Sanchez said.
He added that they immediately deployed additional troops “to reinforce the engaged troops and pursue the fleeing enemies in the mountainous part of Datu Hoffer.”
