5 BIFF bandits slain in Sultan Kudarat encounter

MANILA, Philippines — Five members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters were killed and nine others were wounded in an encounter in Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat yesterday.

Col. Joel Mamon, acting commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade, said the bandits fired at personnel of the Army’s 40th Infantry Battalion who responded to the reported presence of heavily armed men led by Tugali Guiamal Galmak in Barangay Baumol Lambayong.

Mamon said Galmak, alias Commander Tugali, was among the 14 bandits who surrendered when they ran out of ammunition.

Soldiers recovered 15 guns and improvised explosive devices at the scene. Roel Pareño