MILITARY ASSAULTS LEAVE BIFF LEADER, 11 FOLLOWERS DEAD IN MAGUINDANAO

THE military’s air and ground assaults on Monday have left the leader of one of the three factions of the Moro militant groups allied with ISIS and 11 of his followers dead in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur.

Philippine Army’s 6th Infantry Division commander Maj. Gen. Alex Rillera said among the fatalities were Mohiden Animbang alias “Karialan,” chairman of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF)-Karialan Faction, and his brother and operations chief Saga Animbang.

According to Rillera, the bodies of the 12 slain extremists were recovered in a swampy area of Bgy. Kitango.

Also found in the clash site were 12 assorted high-powered firearms.

Authorities said the group of Animbang was one of the three BIFF groups allied with ISIS. The two others were the Bungos and Toraife factions  that operate in the Central Mindanao area.