Soldier hurt in Maguindanao clash, WestMinCom says

A soldier was injured in an encounter between government troops and suspected members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Northern Kabuntalan, Maguindanao on Monday, the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) said Tuesday.

WestMinCom chief Lieutenant General Corleto Vinluan Jr. said troops from the 34th Infantry Battalion were conducting operations at Sitio Macabenban in Barangay Indatuan when clashed with more or less 10 BIFF members under the command of one Omar Abdullah.

The military said the gun battle lasted for 45 minutes.

During the clearing operation, the soldiers seized one caliber .45 pistol, one Barret caliber .50, five rifle grenades, one improvised explosive device, a commercial radio, and a motorized boat engine.

Vinluan said the wounded soldier is under medication at Camp Siongco Station Hospital.

Hot pursuit operation is ongoing against the BIFF members.

Major General Juvymax Uy, commander of the Joint Task Force Central, said the military is on heightened alert to prevent the BIFF's atrocities in central Mindanao. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA News