MILF member killed in clash with BIFF in Maguindanao

SULTAN KUDARAT, PHILIPPINES – OCTOBER 10: Filipino Muslim rebels of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the country’s largest rebel group in the Philippines, walk inside their camp on October 10, 2012 in Sultan Kudarat township, southern Philippines. President Benigno Aquino claimed the latest development in the negotiation with the rebels is a major milestone after decades of militant insurgency in the nation’s troubled south. Both parties are expected to sign the peace agreement on October 15, 2012. (Photo by Jeoffrey Maitem/Getty Images)

MANILA  — A member of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) was killed during a series of encounters with Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Barangay Kalbugan, Pagalungan, Maguindanao Saturday afternoon, the military reported.

An undetermined number of BIFF men were also killed and wounded in the series of skirmishes which started at 3 p.m. and ended at 8 p.m., 6th Infantry Division spokesperson Capt. Jo-ann Petinglay said.

No reasons were given for the cause of the fighting.

Initial reports indicated that the MILF were headed by Cmdr. Jack Abas while the BIFF were commanded by Cmdr. Gani Saligan, who is reportedly under Shiek Muhiddin Animbang.

Killed in the skirmishes was an MILF member identified as Datukong Ampuan, alias Cmdr. Falcon, reportedly of the MILF 108th Base Command.

Petinglay said that units of the 71st Infantry Battalion are now monitoring the area to prevent further encounter between the two sides.