5 Marines hurt in clash with BIFF

MAGUINDANAO, Philippines – Five Marines were wounded in a series of encounters with suspected members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Maguindanao on Tuesday.

The gunfight erupted when BIFF gunmen attacked the Marines patrolling Barangay Andavit in Datu Salibo around 7 p.m., members of the municipal peace and order councils in Datu Salibo told The STAR.

The bandits were reportedly led by a certain Hohaiden Animbang, Zacaria Mendo and Ibad Damiog.

Nine BIFF bandits, five of them identified as Samsudin, Moktar, Alimudin, Pagal and Buhari, were also wounded.

Capt. Jo-ann Petinglay, spokesperson for the 6th Infantry Division, said clearing operations would continue during the Holy Week.

In Agusan del Sur, two soldiers and a communist rebel were wounded in a clash yesterday morning. 

Col. Noel Detoyato, Armed Forces of the Philippines-public affairs office chief, said the victims were identified as Cpl. Melvin Loretero, Pfc. Ybon Bedia and New People’s Army medic Reynaldo Yamson.

The encounter occurred in Sitio Alimot, Barangay Salvacion in Trento town around 8:30 a.m. 

The troops recovered an AK-47 rifle, five improvised explosive devices and subversive documents.