Suspected BIFF bandits shoot at Maguindanao governor's chopper

Suspected members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) fired at the helicopter carrying Maguindanao Governor Esmael Mangudadatu on Saturday.

Senior Superintendent Agustin Tello, Maguindanao provincial police chief, said the helicopter was fired at while hoverig over Datu Salibo town.

Tello said a bullet nearly hit the governor in the head.

Mangudadatu's brother, Mangudadatu town Mayor Freddie Mangudadatu, was with the governor in the helicopter.

He said Mangudadatu was bound for Barangay Awang in Datu Odin Sinsuat when the attack happened. The governor was invited as keynote speaker at the Youth Summit Against Violent Religious Extremism held at the headquarters of the Army's 6th Infantry Division.

"We will do our best to identify the gunmen who fired at the helicopter," Tello said.

Datu Salibo town is a known bailiwick of the BIFF, whose members are reportedly fighting with the Maute group in Marawi City.

The provincial police chief said police and military forces in the whole province are on heightened alert status.

Maguindanao is also covered by the martial law in Mindanao which President Rodrigo Duterte declared following the Maute group's attack in Marawi City last May 23. —report from Garry Fuerzas/ALG, GMA News