3 BIFF members hurt in Maguindanao clash

MAGUINDANAO, Philippines -- Soldiers wounded three members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and recovered three assault rifles in an encounter Wednesday, an Army spokesman said.

Local officials said the encounter erupted when BIFF bandits led by Imam Tambako opened fire on patrolling combatants of the 45th Infantry Battalion in a far-flung area at the border of Maguindanao’s adjoining Shariff Saidona and Mamasapano towns.

Soldiers have been patrolling for two weeks now the surroundings of farming enclaves in the area to search for improvised explosive devices that can kill or maim farmers.

Barangay folks have confirmed that three BIFF bandits, initially identified only as Salik, Fahad, and Antongan, were wounded in the ensuing encounter.

The bandits retreated carrying their wounded companion toward a swampy area near Datu Piang town, also in Maguindanao after trading shots with the soldiers for more than 30 minutes.

Hermoso said pursuing Army combatants recovered along the bandits’ escape route two M-16 and an M-14 assault rifles heavily stained with blood.

“We don’t have actual `body count’ of enemy casualties but there are persistent reports being fed by villagers that several bandits were wounded in the encounter,” Hermoso said.