A MEMBER of the terrorist group Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters was killed in a clash with government troops in Maguindanao last Monday.
The fatality, Ramos Amilil, was the third BIFF member to be slain in military operations in Central Mindanao this year, according to the Army’s 6th Infantry Division.
Troops from the Army’s 33rd Infantry Battalion were conducting combat operations in Barangay Duguengen in Shariff Saydona town at around 2:15 a.m. when they clashed with about 11 BIFF men.
The terrorists retreated after trading fire with the troops for more than 10 minutes, leaving behind the body of Amilil, an M14 rifle, an M16 rifle, magazines, a bandolier and ammunition.
No one was reported killed or injured on the military side.
6th ID acting commander Maj. Gen. Roberto Capulong said the death of Amilil dealt another “big loss” to the BIFF, which has only about 50 100 members.
“Those weakened BIFF-Karialan Faction members who remain entangled in their twisted violent ideology and terroristic ways must surrender now, so no more blood will be shed in the futile struggle,” said Capulong.
Capulong said government troops continue to mount offensives to neutralize the remaining BIFF members and prevent them from sowing violence and intimidation.
The 6th ID said 133 BIFF members have also surrendered while 105 high-powered firearms were recovered from the terrorist group this year.
