4 BIFF men killed, 2 soldiers hurt in Maguindanao

MAGUINDANAO, Philippines — Four members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) were killed while two soldiers were wounded in clashes in this province on Sunday.

The fatalities were identified as Muktar Undi and Orai Sangkay, who were killed in a gunfight with personnel of the 21st Mechanized Company in Barangay Pamalian in Saidona town, and Aliman Bontah and Idris Udar who were slain in the clash in Barangay Elian, Datu Saudi.

 S/Sgt. Alfredo Tambo and Pfc. Ian Cajeta were taken to a hospital for treatment.

The military said the BIFF men retreated when personnel of the 57th Infantry Battalion and 6th Infantry Division were deployed to reinforce the troops.

The hostilities reportedly erupted when BIFF men attacked soldiers who were checking the reported presence of militants extorting money from villagers.

Another clash occurred at the border of Saidona and Datu Saudi yesterday as soldiers responded to reports that BIFF gunmen raided a farming village.