Google map of Mamasapano, Maguindanao del Sur.
SHARIFF AGUAK, Maguindanao del Sur – Two Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) members were killed while four others were injured in an ambush by outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Mamasapano, Maguindanao del Sur, the Army said Tuesday.
Maj. Saber Balogan, spokesperson of the Army's 601st Infantry Brigade, said elements of the MILF 10th and 118th base command under Commander Tikaw were ambushed by the BIFF led by Abdulkarim Lumbaton at around 9 p.m. Monday in Barangay Tukanalipao.
Balogan said the BIFF used improvised explosive devices they planted along the route of MILF fighters.
A 30-minute firefight erupted left MILF personnel Muhidin Kasanudin and Mackboy Mama dead.
Balogan identified the four injured MILF members as Mistah Miguel Bukong, Baser Bukong, Badz Haron and Usman Tawab, all Maguindanao residents and belonging to the MILF 105th base command.
Balogan could not say if the BIFF also suffered casualties, but noted the presence of bloodstains along the BIFF's escape routes.
Lt. Col. Benjamin Cadiente, commander of the Army's 33rd Infantry (Makabayan) Battalion, said a reinforcement sent to the clash site rushed the injured to the hospital for treatment and brought the fatalities to their families for decent burial according to Islamic rites.
Pursuit operations against the BIFF are continuing as of posting time, Cadiente said. (PNA)
