MANILA, Philippines — Two civilians died while seven other persons, including children, were hurt after they got enmeshed in an encounter between soldiers from the Philippine Army’s 40th Infantry Battalion and members of a faction of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Shariff Aguak, Maguidanao Sunday night.
Authorities identified the fatalities as 60-year-old Unti Kamama and 13-year-old Mohammad Kamama.
Those injured were Aila Amor, 25; Tukay Kamama, 26; Ana Tukay 2; Buto Tukay 3; Bai Tukay, 4; and Bai Ela Tayog 6, who are all residents of Sitio Bacong, Brgy Tinambangan where the firefight took place. Also wounded was Reserve Army Private Clinton Vigor.
The BIFF insurgents attacked an Army detachment in Sitio Bacong around 8 p.m. on December 3, according to Sixth Civil Military Operations chief Col. Gerry Besana. Abu Misrie Mama, spokesman of the BIFF-Bonggos faction, admitted that his group was behind the assault.
Survivors of the attack continue to be under medical observation while troops from the Army’s 6th Infantry Division have secured the area and are on alert for threats.
