MANILA, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- Seven members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) were reportedly killed in government's fresh offensive, Philippines' military said on Tuesday.
Army spokesperson Capt. Arvin Encinas said troops bombed the hideout of BIFF in a village of Sultan sa Barongis, a town in Maguindanao province on Monday.
"We conducted the surgical operation, utilizing indirect fires, to include our mortars and 105 mm howitzers upon receiving information from concerned civilians on the whereabouts of the group members," he said.
He said BIFF militants under leader Esmael Abdulmalik, alias Abu Toraype, were in the village to make improvised explosive devices in the area in preparation for another bombing attack in Maguindanao province.
Encinas said the offensive was launched to thwart the BIFF militants' plan to carry out bombing in the province.
"Based on initial (information), we are validating reports that there were seven militants who were killed in the offensive. It's not yet confirmed," he said.
He added that the military has yet to uncover the bodies of the dead militants.
According to the Philippine government and military, there are up to 400 BIFF militants operating in southern Philippines.
