An alleged high-ranking official of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) was killed in an armed encounter in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur.

The military identified the fatality as Abu Halil, training officer of the BIFF-Karialan faction and the brother of Khadafi Abdulatif, chief of staff of the BIFF-KF.

Troops of the 1st Brigade Combat Team engaged the terrorist group in a firefight at Sitio Binakuyan in Barangay Lower Salbu, which lasted for about 20 minutes.

Halil’s body was found at the clash site during the clearing operations.

The military also seized an M16 rifle and bullets.

“Una, binabati ko ang tropa ng 1BCT sa matagumpay na operasyong ito, gayunpaman patuloy ang aking panawagan sa mga nabiktima ng sirkumstansiya na magbalik-loob na sa pamahalaan upang ‘di ninyu sapitin ang sinapit ni Halil”, 6th Infantry Division (6ID) Commander, Major General Alex Rillera, said.