(UPDATE) 2 Moro rebels killed in Maguindanao clash

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - Two members of the rogue group Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) were killed in an encounter with government troops in the southern Philippines today morning, a military official said.

Colonel Dickson Hermoso, spokesman of the Philippine Army's 6th Infantry Division, said pursuing government troops caught up with the BIFF in Libutan village, Mamasapano town in Maguindanao province and engaged the rogue group in a firefight.

Hermoso said the firefight lasted for almost two hours. The BIFF men then withdrew, leaving two of their dead comrades. Soldiers took into custody four others who failed to escape.

He said troops also recovered at the scene of encounter a homemade 50 caliber Barret sniper rifle, a 60 mm mortar tube with base plate and bipod, improvised explosive devices, and a stolen van.

Government security forces have been hunting down BIFF members who detonated an improvised bomb in Datu Unsay Ampatuan town in Maguindanao province last June 5, killing a soldier and injuring three others.

The Philippine military said the recent attacks staged by the BIFF in Mindanao may be part of the group's activities for Ramadan which will start on June 28.