4 MILF men killed in Maguindanao del Sur ambush

COTABATO CITY, Philippines — Four members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) were killed in an ambush in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur on Sunday.

Ahmed Mansur, Mhoni Kamid, and Khar and Tapurih, both surnamed Anding, were on motorcycles on their way to Barangay Limpongo in nearby Datu Hoffer town when armed men waylaid them.

The victims, who were supporting the government’s counterterrorism campaign, died from multiple gunshot wounds, according to the Army’s 6th Infantry Division.

Local officials and Muslim community leaders told journalists that a group headed by Kagui Katatang, said to be linked to the outlawed Dawlah Islamiya and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, was allegedly behind the attack.

Meanwhile, in Lanao del Norte, three suspected terrorists were killed while a soldier was wounded in an encounter in Munai town on Saturday.

Troopers of the Army’s 103rd Infantry Brigade figured in a firefight with several Dawlah Islamiya terrorists in Barangay Lindongan, according to Lt. Gen. William Gonzales, chief of the Western Mindanao Command.

The firefight lasted 20 minutes before the terrorists reatreated, leaving behind their dead comrades, Gonzales said.

The fatalities were identified as Nezrin Sandab, alias Firdaus; Saipal Abubacar, alias Fariz, and Pabo Zainoden Radia, alias Musab.

“The wounded soldier was taken to a medical facility for teatment, Gonzales said.

The military recovered rifles, ammunition and six backpacks at the scene of the encounter.

A pursuit operation was launched for the fleeing terrorists.