MAGUINDANAO, Philippines – Suspected members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) killed seven farmers in separate attacks in Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat before dawn on Thursday.
Police and military sources said five of the victims were shot dead while on their way to a farm in Ampatuan town.
Another group of BIFF gunmen killed two farmers in a remote barangay in Esperanza in Sultan Kudarat.
Capt. Joann Petinglay, spokesman for the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said the bandits strafed a detachment of the 33rd Infantry Battalion (IB) prior to the attacks on the farmers.
Four BIFF bandits were killed in a gunfight with soldiers.
Lt. Col. Ricky Bunayog, commanding officer of the 33rd IB, said villagers saw the bandits carrying at least four of their dead companions as they escaped.
Three BIFF bandits identified only as Salik, Tato and Tangan were also wounded in the encounter.
Army intelligence sources told The STAR they are monitoring remote barangays in Midsayap and Aleosan towns in North Cotabato amid threats of more BIFF attacks.
The Army’s 602nd Brigade sought the help of local officials and religious leaders to protect residents against the bandit group.
Military officials have confirmed receiving text messages from barangay officials warning of possible attacks by the BIFF in retaliation for the death of four of their comrades.