4 dead in Maguindanao clash

COTABATO CITY, Philippines – At least four were killed, among them a soldier, in a clash between government troops and breakaway Muslim rebels in the southern Philippine province of Maguindanao Sunday, March 29, a military official said.

Troops were patrolling around 9:30 am in the village of Malangob, Datu Unsay town when they were attcked by members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), said Col. Melquiades Feliciano, commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade.

According to Feliciano, a firefight took place resulting in the death of a soldier and three rebels. The soldier was not identified. 

He said soldiers assigned in the nearby town of Shariff Saydona were attacked by another group of BIFF.

Three other soldiers and three BIFF fighters were injured.

“As of now the fighting is still going on,” Feliciano said on March 29.

The encounter occured on the last day of suspension of military operations in Maguindanao to give way to the graduation ceremonies of schools in the province.

Abu Misri Mama, BIFF spôkesman confirmed the clash but said they have no fatalities except for three wounded men.

Last month, the military launched an all out war against BIFF rebels involved in the Mamasapano incident, forcing more than 120,000 people to flee from their homes. – With reports from Jeff Maitem/Rappler.com