Alleged BIFF members killed in clash were minors, not rebels —relatives

MIDSAYAP, North Cotabato — Relatives of the seven alleged IS-linked Moro rebels slained in an encounter with government forces in Barangay Tumbras here Wednesday claimed they were innocent, minors and not rebels.

Manto Sema, grandfather of Angelo Bangon, one of the seven alleged members of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) killed, showed to reporters the social media images of his grandson.

Sema said Bangon was only 13 years old and joined his friends into fishing and stayed overnight in one of the friend's house.

The suspects were killed  in clashes with Midsayap police and members of 34th Infantry Battalion in a swamp area of Barangay Tumbras early this month.

“He and his friends were only fishing in the marsh and slept there prior to the alleged encounter,” Sema said in the vernacular.

He stressed it was not true that his grandson was recruited by the BIFF.

However, Major Arvin John Encinas, speaking for Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), said the slain victims were child warriors of the BIFF.

“This proves now the persistent reports of recruiting minors by the BIFF using them as combatants is real”, Encinas said.

Soldiers and police were to serve the search warrants against Mama Macalimbol in Barangay Tumbras on Wednesday.  He was linked to the bombing in front of Sto. Nino Church in Midsayap and allegedly a member of a big-time drug syndicate.

Lieutenant Colonel Glen Caballero, commander of the 34th Infantry Battalion who led the operation, said the gunmen opened fire on government forces, triggering a 40-minute firefight that left seven dead, including Macalimbol.

Government forces seized high powered guns, including cal. 50 sniper rifle, Garand rifle, Armalite rifle and ammunition.

The BIFF under Commander Bungos, denied through its spokesperson Abu Mama, that Macalimbol was a group member. —LDF, GMA News