[Rappler] Three Philippine soldiers were injured as they clashed Saturday, February 6, with an undetermined number of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in Maguindanao province.Lieutenant Colonel Warlito Limet said the fierce firefight occurred simultaneously in the villages of Butilen, Andabit, and Tee, where he said that three militants were reportedly killed. Limet said three of his men, including a captain, were wounded. The militants also set on fire to heavy equipment as they retreated.
The fighting began on Friday, when BIFF rebels attacked troops securing bridge construction in the town.
BIFF spokesman Abu Misry Mama confirmed their forces were involved in the clash. He said, "We were only forced to fire our weapons because the soldiers were in our location. We have just strengthened our forces to continue our fight for an Islamic state."