BIFF leader killed in Maguindanao del Norte raid

MANILA, Philippines — Esmael Abubakar, the leader of a Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) faction with a P3-million reward on his head, was killed in a clash with soldiers and police in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte yesterday, the Philippine National Police announced.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said Abubakar, also known as Kumander Bungos, was killed during the service of five arrest warrants at 1:10 a.m. in Sitio Tambak, Barangay Calsada.

Joint operatives from the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, PNP Special Action Force and Armed Forces of the Philippines’ 601st Brigade surrounded Abubakar’s hideout after confirming intelligence reports on his location.

Police said the operatives identified themselves and ordered Abubakar to surrender, but he allegedly drew a caliber .45 pistol and fired at the arresting team, prompting officers to fire back.

Abubakar was rushed to the Cotabato Sanitarium General Hospital, where he was later declared dead.

Recovered at the scene was a caliber .45 pistol with a defaced serial number and a loaded chamber, police said.

Abubakar was the BIFF-Bungos faction chairman and former vice chairman for political affairs during the time of BIFF founder Ameril Umbra Kato. Abubakar was the most wanted person in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and Maguindanao del Sur.

The warrants against him covered multiple criminal charges, including murder, multiple frustrated murder, qualified direct assault with multiple attempted murder, attempted murder and destructive arson.

Police linked his group to several attacks against government forces and civilians, including the ambush of police personnel in Shariff Aguak town in Maguindanao del Sur on March 28.

The people who were with Abubakar during the operation were taken to the Sultan Kudarat municipal police station for investigation.

Nartatez said the operation would help strengthen peace and security efforts in the Bangsamoro region. — Roel Pareño