11 BIFF killed in AFP airstrikes in N. Cotabato
Local News • 14:52 PM Sat Dec 23, 2017
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By:
Edwin O. Fernandez
KIDAPAWAN CITY – The military here announced
the air strikes and ground assaults conducted by the Army’s 602n Infantry
Brigade left 11 IS inspired armed men killed in Carmen, North Cotabato.
Eight of the fatalities died when the Philippine
Airforce launched the offensives in the village of Tonganon, Carmen town where
the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) along with foreign terrorists.
Three others died when elements of the 34th
Infantry Battalion clashed with forces of Esmael Abdulamlik, alias Abu Toraife,
according to Army Capt. Arvin John Encinas, 6th Infantry Division
spokesperson.
Encinas told DXND-AM here said the Army also captured what appeared to
be a training camp of the BIFF, a band of Moro rebels turned bandits that
pledged alliance with the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, the Maute terrorist
and Abu Sayyaf Group.
Major Gen. Arnel dela Vega, 6th ID chief,
said the air strikes on Thursday were launched after the BIFF were sighted in
the village of Tonganon as preemptive measure to prevent the terrorist from
attacking civilian communities.
The slain terrorists were immediately buried by
their companions while others were taken by relatives for burial.
Four soldiers were injured while a militiaman,
identified as CAFGU Proseso Lacuesta, was killed during the ground encounter in
Tonganon.
Air strikes were suspended Friday due to inclement
weather while ground operations continue, Encinas said.