BIFF-linked drug suspect killed in Maguindanao skirmish

A notorious drug suspect with links to the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) was killed when government forces encountered his group in Datu Paglas, Maguindanao, early Friday, the military reported.

Reports from the Armed Forces’ Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) identified the fatality as Abdulatip Pendaliday, alias “Grasscutter”.

Members of the 40th Infantry Battalion encountered Pendaliday’s group in Baramgay Lipao around 5:50 a.m.

Troops were conducting clearing operations against BIFF members who may still be in the town after attacking last May 8, when it encountered Pendaliday’s group, said Brig. Gen. Roy Galido, Army 601st Brigade commander.

“Our forces were able to intercept and encounter a notorious armed lawless group that is linked with the BIFF,” he said.

Lt. Col. Edwin Alburo, 40th IB commander, said Pendaliday was considered a “drug lord,” had a pending arrest warrant for drug charges, and an escapee of the Maguindanao provincial jail.

Troops found Pendaliday’s body, four caliber-.45 pistols, a caliber-.38 handgun, one hand grenade, two rounds of rocket-propelled grenade, about 0.25 grams of suspected shabu, and two digital weighing devices, at the clash site.

Further scouring resulted in the recovery of five rounds of M203 grenade launcher ammunition, 374 rounds of ammunition for rifles and machine guns, and an ammunition box, the Wesmincom said.