MILF leader slain in clash with BIFF

MANILA, Philippines - A leader of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) was killed in an encounter with alleged members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Pagalungan town, Maguindanao last Saturday, the military reported yesterday.

Datukong Ampuan, alias Commander Falcon of the MILF’s 108th Base Command, died in a firefight that occurred in Barangay Kalbugan, said Army Capt. Jo-Ann Petinglay, spokesperson for the Army’s 6th Infantry Division.

Last week, MILF and BIFF combatants reportedly figured in at least two armed encounters in the same village.

A BIFF rebel was reported killed while two others were wounded in one of the clashes that ensued after they reportedly attacked an MILF enclave.

But the two groups denied any encounter between them. The firefights were reportedly due to a clan war.

Petinglay said Saturday’s three-hour firefight erupted between the group of MILF commander Jack Abas and BIFF leaders Gani Saligan and Muhiddin Animbang.  

The military is verifying whether the BIFF suffered casualties. 

The BIFF is supposed to be a breakaway group of the MILF that opposes the peace agreement entered into by the latter and the government.

But the two groups joined forces to fight police commandos who tried to arrest two terrorists in Mamasapano, Maguindanao on Jan. 25.

Forty-four commandos were killed.