4 ‘terrorists’ hurt in Maguindanao clash

COTABATO CITY, Philippines – Four suspected members of lawless group Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) were wounded in an encounter with Army troopers in Datu Hofer, Maguindanao del Sur on Sunday night.

The suspects were reportedly among a group of bandits who assaulted a detachment of the Army’s 40th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Labo-Labo 2.

They were reportedly led by “Commander Jacket,” who is wanted for the fatal ambush of the police chief of the nearby Ampatuan town and his subordinate in August.

The firefight lasted 10 minutes.

Villagers told authorities they saw the fleeing bandits carrying wounded comrades.

Maj. Gen. Roy Galido, chief of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said the BIFF has been harassing soldiers and militiamen manning detachments and checkpoints in different villages.

Galido said the attacks were meant to send a message that the group has not been weakened by the surrender of more than 100 of its members since January.