A LEADER of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and six of his followers were killed in a clash with government forces in North Cotabato, a top military official said Friday, October 25.
Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, said the firefight took place at 5:05 a.m. Wednesday, October 23, in Sitio Narra in the village of Tumbras, Midsayap, North Cotabato.
Sobejana identified the slain BIFF group leader as Mama Macalimbol of the BIFF's Bungos Faction. The identities of the six followers were not immediately available.
The remains of the slain BIFFs were turned over to the village council of Tumbras for proper disposition.
Sobejana said the firefight ensued when troops from the Army's 34th Infantry Battalion and policemen chanced upon a group of BIFF led by Macalimbol while they were conducting a law enforcement operation.
Sobejana said the firefight, which lasted for about 40 minutes, resulted in the death of seven BIFFs, including Macalimbol, who has an existing warrant of arrest for multiple attempted murder.
He said the troops have recovered seven high-powered firearms and ammunition, which included one FAL caliber 7.62 rifle, two Garand rifles, one caliber .50 improvised Barret, one M-14 rifle, one improvised M-14 rifle, one M-16 Armalite rifle, and assorted ammunition.
The troops also recovered two hand-held radios, eight assorted cellular phones, 25 identification cards, six assorted bandolier, and assorted drug paraphernalia.
Sobejana said the commendable accomplishment of troops and policemen showed "how persistent we are to track down the remaining lawless elements that destabilizes our campaign towards peace and progress in Mindanao."
Lieutenant Colonel Glenn Loreto Caballero, Army's 34th Infantry Battalion, said "the success of the operation was made possible through the commitment of the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines), PNP (Philippine National Police), and local government unit, as well as the immense support from the local populace in the area." (SunStar Zamboanga)