BIFF bombmaker slain in Maguindanao

COTABATO CITY, Philippines — A suspected bombmaker of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) was killed in an encounter with soldiers in Maguindanao on Monday.

The military said Ramos Amilil and his companions clashed with personnel of the Army’s 33rd Infantry Battalion in Barangay Duguengen in Shariff Saydona town.

Soldiers were dispatched to the area before midnight on Monday after villagers reported the presence of heavily armed men.

An M14 and an M16 assault rifle were reportedly found near the body of the suspect.

The military said it is bracing for possible retaliatory attacks by the BIFF.