Army extends medical aid to wounded MILF fighters

Capt. Arvin John Encinas, of the 6th Infantry Division headquarters, said Major General Arnel dela Vega, 6th ID commander, has expressed his full support especially to the wounded personnel of MILF who needs medical assistance. (PNA Photo)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao, Aug 3 — The Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6th ID) displayed rescued and accommodated in a military hospital two members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) wounded in a clash with outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in Sharif Saydona town in Maguindanao.

Capt. Arvin John Encinas, of the 6th Infantry Division headquarters, said Major General Arnel dela Vega, 6th ID commander, has expressed his full support especially to the wounded personnel of MILF who needs medical assistance.

Kamsa G. Karinda and Naim Musiko, both belonging to MILF 118th base command, are now confined at Camp Siongco Hospital.

Encinas said members of the MILF clashed with Isis-linked BIFF forces in Barangay Pusao, Shariff Saydona.

The MILF has been helping the military in law enforcement operation against the BIFF in Maguindanao and Encinas said the coordination and cooperation the MILF had extended through the ceasefire panel led to the firefight.

“We wanted to prevent the BIFF from initiating terroristic actions against peaceful communities,” dela Vega said.

Four were reportedly killed among followers of BIFF Commander Abdulmalik.

Lt. Colonel Gerry Besana of the Army’s 6th Civil-Military Operations (CMO) Battalion, said local officials in Sharif Saydona told the Army that at least four BIFF fighers were killed in the firefight.

Under the GPH-MILF ceasefire agreement, the government and the MILF are bound to mutually cooperate in neutralizing terrorists and criminals in areas covered by the peace agreement.