1 slain in Army, BIFF clash in Maguindanao
Mindanao Armed Conflict • 09:00 AM Sun Nov 10, 2019
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By:
Edwin O. Fernandez
The new Tukanalipao Bridge in Mamasapano, Maguindanao under construction. (PNA photo)
SHARIFF AGUAK, Maguindanao – At least one member of IS linked gunmen was killed while two others were wounded in a clash between government forces and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in the site of 2015 Mamasapano massacre that claimed the lives of 44 elite cops and 17 rebels.
Ismael Hashim, chairperson of Barangay Tukanalipao, Mamasapano, Maguindanao, said firefight between BIFF and elements of the 33rd Infantry Battalion erupted after the rebels opened fire on soldiers stationed near the new bridge built across the Tukanalipao, in the site of the infamous Mamasapano massacre.
The clash site is about 20 kilometers south of here.
Citing information from local leaders, Hashim said two BIFF were seen taken by the fleeing gunmen following ground and artillery attacks by government forces.
No casualty on government side, he said. Government troops, led by Lt. Colonel Elmer Boongaling, 33rd IB commander, responded to reports from residents about BIFF massing in the tri-boundary of Tukanalipao, Tuka and Pedsandawan, all in Mamasapano town.
Hashim said all the residents of Barangay Tukanalipao have fled to adjacent villages for fear of getting caught in the crossfire.
Hashim placed the number of internally displaced persons at 450 families or about 2,700 individuals.
In January 2015, an elite police force operation against bomb expert Malaysian Zulkifli bin Hir alias “Marwan,” resulted to the massacre of 44 members of PNP Special Action Force and 17 rebels and five civilians.
Edwin