6 members of BIFF-allied group killed in Sultan Kudarat clash –military

COTABATO CITY -- Government soldiers on Thursday clashed with members of an armed group with alleged links to a terrorist group in Sultan Kudarat, resulting in the deaths of six people.

The leader of the group, identified as Tugali Guiamal Galmak alias Kumander Tugali, was captured along with over a dozen members of the group.

"Tugali is an ALG (armed lawless group) commander and a former member of Pentagon/KFRG believed to be an ally of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters operating in Central Mindanao,” said Colonel Joel Mamon of the 601st Infantry Brigade.

The clash was sparked by an operation launched by the government forces targeting Tugali in Barangay Baumol in Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat.

"When our troops reached the area at 6:29 in the morning, our target was reinforced with more or less 20 fully armed men from Barangay Langgapanan," said Major General Diosdado Carreon, commander of Joint Task Force Central.

Aside from six fatalities, five were also wounded on the enemy side.

Seized from the group were 16 firearms and improvised explosive devices.

The military said the IEDs found have the same signature with previously recovered IEDs aimed for terror attacks. --Ferdinandh Cabrera/KBK, GMA News