CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – The military here said it overran Tuesday two camps abandoned by ISIS-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and recovered war materials following a brief firefight in neighboring Shariff Saydona Mustapha and Datu Salibo towns in Maguindanao.
Major Gen. Arnel dela Vega, Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID) commander, presented to newsmen here 18 assorted high powered firearms recovered from the two camps abandoned by the BIFF while carrying their two dead companions shortly after a gunbattle.
Dela Vega said the firearms were found by elements of the Army’s 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion following brief firefight with the BIFF factions of Commanders Bongos and Abu Toraife at the border of Shariff Saydona Mustapha and Datu Salibo on Tuesday dawn.
Three other terrorists were wounded in the firefight with the Army using artillery fire at past 5 a.m., Dela Vega said.
He added that two infantrymen were also injured and are now recuperating at the Camp Siongco Station Hospital here.
Lt. Colonel Alvin Iyog, 2nd MIB commander, said the fighting started Monday afternoon when residents alerted government troops over the presence of the BIFF forces in their area. Overnight, the opposing camps traded shots and barrage of mortar fire. (PNA)