(UPDATE) 16 killed in Maguindanao clash

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - Twelve rebels from the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighter (BIFF) and four Philippine Army soldiers were killed in a series of firefights that took place in the Southern Philippines yesterday, the military said today.

The initial firefight broke out between the Philippine Army's elite 6th Scout Ranger Company led by Capt. Blas Alsiyao and the BIFF under sub-leader named Commander Bungos in Malangog village, Datu Unsay town in Maguindanao  at around 9:30 a.m..

The elite Scout Rangers overran the enemy positions after about an hour of intense firefight, forcing the BIFF fighters to retreat.

Another firefight ensued between the members of the 34th Infantry Battalion, 8th Infantry division and a small group of BIFF bandits led by a certain Commander Bisaya in Pamalian village, Shariff Saydona town at 9:50 a.m..

At around 1 p.m.., an ambulance which carried wounded soldiers was attacked by the militants.

The BIFF is the armed wing of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement, which broke away from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front due to disagreements over the conduct of peace negotiations with the Philippine government.