FOUR members of two terrorist groups operating in Central Mindanao and a government soldier were killed in skirmishes in Maguindanao, military and police officials reported.
Two of the terrorists, both members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, died in a firefight with troops from Army’s 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion in Barangay Lower Salbo in Datu Saudi Ampatuan town at around 7:50 p.m. Monday.
Maj. Arvin Encinas, spokesman of the Zamboanga City-based AFP Western Mindanao Command, identified the two as Salamat Kutin and Nasreden Akmad. He said two other BIFF men were injured, based on intelligence reports.
Encinas said the government troops were on a combat operation in the barangay when they clashed with about 10 BIFF members for about five hours.
“Offensives are mounted to derail enemy movement and hostile plans… The military continues its relentless efforts to quell terrorism and lawlessness with its sustained campaign for peace and progress,” said Wesmincom chief Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana.
At around 4:30 a.m. Wednesday, troops from the Army’s 33rd Infantry Battalion also clashed with about 12 BIFF men in Barangay Sapakan in Rajah Buayan town, leaving a soldier and a BIFF member dead.
Encinas withheld the identity of the slain soldier, pending the notification of his family. The identity of the slain BIFF member has yet to be established.
Encinas said troops saw traces of blood in the BIFF’s withdrawal route, indicating more BIFF members were either killed or injured in the 20-minute firefight.
Recovered at the encounter site were two improvised explosive devices and components, three magazines, and half-a-sack of fertilizer used in the manufacture of IEDs.
Another member of a terrorist group, called Ansar Khilafah Philippines, was killed in a law enforcement operation also in Rajah Buayan town on Wednesday morning.
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao regional police director Brig. Gen. Manuel Manalo Abu identified the slain terrorist as Saidon Kabot Nilong.
Abu described Nilong as a “high-value target” member of the AKP and is reportedly “responsible for bombing incidents in Maguindanao.”
Abu said Radjah Buayan town policemen swooped down at the lair of Nilong in Barangay Tabungao at around 5:30 a.m. to serve an arrest warrant for frustrated murder.
Nilong and an unidentified cohort fought it out, leading to the death of Nilong. His unidentified escaped.
Found at the scene were EID components, three M16 magazines, and half-a-sack of fertilizer used in the manufacture of EID.
“Saidon Nilong is a high-value wanted (personality) with expertise in bomb-making… We have just saved lives through his death,” said Abu.
