MIDSAYAP, North Cotabato — Police and military forces arrested two members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and seized guns and other firearms from the IS-inspired group in a remote village here following a brief firefight Saturday.
The clash occurred 4 a.m. Saturday in the village of Nabalawag here.
Lt. Colonel Angelo Lutera, Army’s 34th Infantry Battalion commander, who led joint PNP and Army units in pursuing the lawless group, said government forces were sent to Nabalawag after BIFF forces were spotted in the village.
Village watchmen immediately alerted Army and police forces on the BIFF presence who quickly responded by sending troops to the area.
Upon arrival, soldiers started firing at the BIFF members on board several motorized bancas who were about to land in the marshy area of the village.
The village of Nabalawag is adjacent to Datu Piang in Maguindanao where the BIFF has strong presence.
“The two suspects tried to restart the motorboat engine, but failed when the military started firing, apparently to escape,” Lutera told reporters.
He identified the two BIFF members as Ambong Mamalinta Adam, 39 and Endo Mentato Sapelon, 48, who were both armed.
Other firearms seized by the operating teams were three .30-caliber Garand rifles, one M16 rifle, two M14 rifles, one homemade .50-caliber Barret sniper rifle, assorted ammunition, identification cards of certain Tong Asilon Salem, a BIFF sub-leader, several upper battle clothing uniform, and one fiber glass motorized boat.
The two suspects were brought to the 34th IB headquarters for interrogation before they were turned over to the local police for filing of appropriate charges. (PNA)
