BIFF leader killed in Maguindanao clash

A ranking leader of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) was killed when government forces clashed with the militant group in Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Maguindanao, on Monday, the military reported.

Killed was Zukarno Guilil alias “Motorola,” 4th Division commander and chief of staff of the BIFF’s “Karialan faction,” said Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, commander of Army’s 6th Infantry Division and Armed Forces’ Joint Task Force Central (JTFC).

Guilil, a known IED expert, was responsible for various attacks and bombings in Maguindanao and had several standing warrants of arrests for murder, multiple attempted murder, destructive arson, and violation of the Anti Terrorism Act, Uy said.

Members of the 6th Infantry Battalion encountered Guilil’s group in Brgy. Ganta on Sunday morning.

Troops cornered the group after residents tipped off its presence, said Lt. Col. Charlie Banaag, 6th IB commander.

Soldiers recovered two fragmentation grenades from Guilil’s body.

“His neutralization gives justice to all victims of BIFF atrocities. The lead given by the residents further shows their desire to end the terror group,” said Col. Pedro Balisi, 1st Mechanized Brigade Commander.

Uy vowed to have troops continue hunting down remaining members of the BIFF and Daulah Islamiya who have been attacking communities in Central Mindanao for almost a decade.

Despite this, Uy said members of those Islamic militant groups are still welcome to return to the folds of the law and live a peaceful life with their families. (John Roson)