Three BIFF bandits killed in bungled cattle heist

NORTH COTABATO --- Three members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters were killed on Friday by farmer-militiamen whose cattle they tried to steal.The slain BIFF bandits were identified as Tarzan Buntazil, Kensem Dungandong, and Salik Rusman, shot dead by pursuing personnel of the Citizen’s Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU).Chief Inspector Donald Cabigas of the Pikit municipal police said the slain BIFF gunmen first stole a pair of cattle owned by siblings Ariel and Constantino Wacan in Barangay Bualan, Pikit.The Wacans and other CAFGUs in the barangay gave chase and cornered the cattle thieves in a secluded area, where they traded shots for more than 30 minutes.Investigators said the slain bandits were positively identified by villagers they have subjected to excessive collection of protection money on monthly basis. They belong to a group led by a certain Commander Arpie, Cabigas said.Police and Army intelligence sources said besides robbery, the BIFF commander is also engaged in drug trafficking and propagation of illegal Marijuana plants.