3 soldiers hurt in BIFF ambush

“We are currently working with the Army’s 34th Infantry Battalion and that the attackers could still be in the outskirt villages of Midsayap,” Tuzon said. (screenshot from GMA News footage)

MIDSAYAP, North Cotabato – Police and military authorities here have launched a manhunt operation against suspected ISIS-inspired armed men who ambushed and injured three soldiers in Barangay Nabalawag on Sunday night, police said Tuesday.

Supt. Gilbert Tuzon, Midsayap town police chief, said joint police and military forces are now tracking the suspects believed to be members of a faction of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) operating in Maguindanao.

“We are currently working with the Army’s 34th Infantry Battalion and that the attackers could still be in the outskirt villages of Midsayap,” Tuzon said.

Government troops who sustained minor injuries in the ambush incident were Army Corporal Ameridon Dimasangca, and Privates 1st Class Ronel Mahilom and Buenaventura Raygon, all of the Army’s 34th IB.

The soldiers are now confined at Camp Siongco military hospital inside the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID) headquarters.

Tuzon said the victims were on board a red Mitsubishi Adventure vehicle when the attackers opened fire at past 10 p.m. Sunday in Barangay Nabalawag.

The Army’s 6ID commander, Major Gen. Arnel Dela Vega, said Tuesday that the three soldiers were out on a special mission when gunmen with assault rifles shot at their vehicle.

Tuzon said the gunmen could be members of the outlawed BIFF – ISIS faction who are also into illegal drugs trade; or cohorts of drug peddlers arrested by joint police and 34th IB troops in Midsayap the past several months.

Barangay Nabalawag is situated near the borders of Midsayap, North Cotabato and Datu Piang, Maguindanao where the BIFF armed men are active.