7 MILF members killed in clash vs. ISIS-inspired terror group in Maguindanao

SHARIFF SAYDONA MUSTAPHA, Maguindanao - Seven members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front's National Guard died after a clash with members of an ISIS-inspired  terror group in Maguindanao on Friday.

The victims were identified by police as Laguiali Ali, Poangan Ganda, Kho Mamaluba, Jeomar Salansamen, Mads Maitem, Tongan Tot and Datumaniot Musbil.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Arnold Santiago said the bodies of the victims were claimed by their relatives on the same day.

The firefight, which went on for half a day, started Friday morning in Sitio Tinulusan, Dasawao 4 in Shariff Saydona, Lieutenant Colonel Ernesto Gener, commander of the Philippine Army's 57th Infantry Battalion, said.

The MILF rebels fought against a group headed by Salahuddin Hassan of Dawlah Islamiyah which is inspired by the ISIS terror group.

The rebels' group also suffered an undetermined number of casualties but this has yet to be verified, Gener added.

Tension remained high as the MILF is expected to send reinforcements.

The MILF has yet to issue a statement.

Meanwhile, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) which bolted the MILF and once pledged allegiance to ISIS, said it is not involved in the said gunfight.

"We are just monitoring the development. What we learned (was) the MILF was overwhelmed by the forces of ISIS in Dasawao," said Abu Misri Mamam, BIFF spokesperson. —KG, GMA News