Military believes 3 high-value terrorists among those killed in Maguindanao clash

Three high-value terrorist targets from the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) were believed to be among the estimated 20 fatalities in the clash between government troops and terrorists in Maguindanao on Monday night, according to the military.

Major General Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Philippine Army's 6th Infantry Division, identified the killed terrorist leaders as Salahudin Hassan, Mauwiyah, and a certain Commander Bastardo.

"There are a lot of indicators that they are part of those who got killed yesterday and last night," he said on Tuesday.

Sobejana, however, noted that the military is still validating the number of casualties as the assault caused major damage to the enemies' bodies.

"Medyo lasog-lasog 'yung mga katawan kaya hindi namin mabuo kung ilan talaga 'yung body count," he explained.

Abu Toraype, leader of a BIFF faction, was also believed to be in the area but authorities are still confirming if he was killed.

On the other hand, a soldier died while seven other troops were wounded in the said firefight.

Sobejana said that the military has already gained partial control of the terrorists' stronghold in the area and operations are ongoing to neutralize the remaining pockets of resistance of the terrorists. —Dona Magsino/KG, GMA News