AT LEAST 20 Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) were killed as the military offensive against them in the areas of Salibu-Pagatin-Mamasapano and Shariff Aguak in Maguindanao continue.

Major General Cirilito Sobejana, 6th Infantry Division commander, said among those killed were two foreign-looking rebels.

He said one of the two looks like an Arab man whose body was recovered in Barangay Inaladan in Shariff Saydona Mustapha by troops from the 40th Infantry Battalion.

"Foreign national talaga. Arabo 'yung profile ng mukha, katawan... itong mukha kasi buong-buo siya (The slain rebel is Arab looking. His face is intact)," said Sobejana.

The other one was Singaporean fighter Muhamad Ali Abdul Rahiman, also known as Mauwiyah, who was believed to be with BIFF sub-leader Salahudin Hassan when the military launched the all-out offensives.

Sobejana said they are still in the process of gathering the body parts of those who were killed in the airstrike.

Based on information from the community, the other BIFF members slain in the offensive were Abdul Karim Kadil, Yusop Lakiman, one alias Paks/Pagal, Yusop alias Bastardo, Musa alias USA, Dungadong alias Dong, Hamer Lakiman, Alladin Bagundong, Baser Abdula, Muhalidin Akob, Ansare Mukalir, Datokan Masala, Mutasir Manap, Kage Manap, Duang Ali, Mubarak Antoling, and Yusop Kadir.

"Dalawa 'yung body count sa ngayon, tapos with several flesh scattered around the area," Sobjena said, adding they will conduct a DNA test to identify the fatalities.

On the government side, one soldier was killed, while 11 others were wounded when a landmine, believed to have been planted by the enemies, went off.

The all-out offensive against the BIFF was launched on March 11 by the 6th Infantry Division after receiving information from the ground that the rebels are gathering in the towns of Shariff Aguak, Pagatin, Mamasapano, and Salibo.

Sobejana said around 1,360 families or more than 5,000 people flew to a safer ground when the military operations started. (SunStar Philippines)