BIFF weapons captured in Maguindanao clash

A Bangsamoro militant in training (Wikipedia photo)

MANILA — Troopers from the 1st Mechanized Brigade have captured seven firearms and assorted equipment following a clash with Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) bandits in Barangay Mapayag, Datu Angal Midtimbang town, Maguindanao in the morning of Feb. 22.

Reports forwarded by 6th Infantry Division spokesperson Capt. Jo-ann Petinglay Tuesday said the incident took place 5: 20 a.m.

She added that troopers from the 1st Mechanized Brigade were conducting regular security patrol when they met an undetermined number of BIFF men, triggering a sharp firefight.

Government troops retaliated, forcing the bandits to retreat 20 minutes later, leaving behind two M-16 automatic rifles, one shotgun, one rocket propelled grenade, a .45 caliber pistol, an Ingram 9mm machine pistol, assorted magazines and several rounds of live ammunition, bandoleers, assorted camouflage uniforms and suspected drug paraphernalia.

There were no reported casualties among government security forces.

“6th Infantry Division is continually and actively conducting security operations in the area in order to preempt the armed lawless group from launching atrocities and havoc among the communities. The command will exert effort to disrupt the plans of the group that might threaten the security situation and bring fear to the populace,” Petinglay concluded.