CAMP SIONGCO, Awang, DOS, Maguindanao del Norte – Two members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) Karialan Faction were killed after a shootout with troops of the 33rd Infantry (Makabayan) Battalion in Brgy Kuloy, Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao, early Saturday day (November 5).
The deceased was identified as Omar Indong while the identity of another companion is still being ascertained.
According to Lt. Col. Benjamin Cadiente Jr., the Commanding Officer of 33IB said a Payong-payong (tricycle) stopped not far from the soldier’s checkpoint in the said area at 1:30 in the morning.
“When the personnel of Bravo Company, 33IB were about to check the tricycle, the rider disembarked and suddenly fired towards the approaching troops which prompted them to return fire. Firefight lasted seven (7) minutes”, said Lt. Col. Cadiente Jr.
The injured suspects were quickly rushed to the Integrated Provincial Health Office – Maguindanao but the two did not survive.
A caliber .45 pistol, magazine and ammunition were recovered from the suspects, including a unit of Umbrella.
According to the Shariff Aguak PNP, the two are members of the BIFF-Karialn Faction under the leadership of commander Kamir Kambal alias Mhedz and commander Abdulkarim Lumbatan alias Boy Jacket.
Major General Roy Galido, Commander of the 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division and Joint Task Force Central said that military troops will not spare anyone who fights the law. “For a couple of times, we have been calling those victims of violent extremism to lay down their arms and go back to the folds of the law to avoid circumstances like this, but some are not heeding it, and still want to fight with our people authority”, said Mj. Gen. Galido.
As a result, six (6) BIFFs have been killed while 175 have returned to the government since the month of January until now.
