FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila – Combined operating troops of Joint Task Force Central in 6th Infantry “Kampilan” Division exchanged fires with Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighter (BIFF) bandits at Datu Paglas, Maguindanao on May 8, 2021.
Following the report of concerned civilians regarding the presence of armed individuals in the area, the troops from 601st Infantry Brigade, 40th Infantry Battalion, 7th Infantry Battalion, 1st Mechanized Brigade, and 5th Special Forces Battalion were deployed along the national highway and public market where they encountered fully armed BIFF members. Said encounter led to more than four hours of firefight, prompting the nearby villagers to evacuate.
The encounter ended as enemy forces scampered towards different directions carrying their wounded companions according to the villagers. As of writing, normalcy is restored in the area following the clash. Pursuit operations are currently conducted by the operating troops. #