A MEMBER of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighter (BIFF) was killed while a militiaman was wounded in a clash in the province of Maguindanao, military officials announced Thursday.
Lieutenant General Corleto Vinluan, Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) said the troops of the Limpongo Patrol Base were conducting checkpoint operations on Wednesday, December 23, in Limpongo village, Datu Hoffer, Maguindanao, when they clashed against 10 BIFFs.
Vinluan said the firefight lasted for about 45 minutes that resulted in the death of one BIFF member and the wounding of a militiaman.
Lieutenant Colonel Cresencio Sanchez, Jr., commander of the 1st Mechanized Battalion, said they immediately deployed supplemental troops to reinforce the engaged troops and pursue the fleeing BIFFs in the mountainous part of Datu Hoffer town.
Sanchez said the injured militiaman was rushed to the Integrated Provincial Health Office of Maguindanao for treatment.
He said the slain BIFF, who remains was recovered at the clash site, was identified as Nasse Kandao. Also at the clash site were one M-16 Armalite rifle, one motorcycle, and two short magazines.
He said the remains of Kandao and the recovered motorcycle were turned over to Datu Hoffer Municipal Police Station while the recovered firearm was deposited at 1st Mechanized Battalion headquarters for safekeeping.
Major General Juvymax Uy, commander of the Joint Task Force Central commended the gallantry of the soldiers and militiaman of the Limpongo Patrol Base.
“We are grateful that our battle casualty incurred just a minor injury and is now feeling better at the hospital,” Uy said. (SunStar Zamboanga)