MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - A total of 139 members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) were killed in the on-going military law enforcement operation in North Cotabato as of today, said military officers.
In addition, 53 BIFF members were injured and 12 others arrested in the operation.
The Philippine security forces launched an all-out offensive against lawless groups in southern Philippines three weeks ago.
The BIFF is the armed wing of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement which broke away from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the largest Muslim rebel force in the southern Philippines, in 2010 because of disagreements over the peace talks with the government.