[Kicker Daily] Two Philippine soldiers and two civilians were killed in two separate encounters between troops and communist militants and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in Mindanao on Sunday.The first clash took place in Barangay Ned in the town of Lake Sebu, South Cotabato where two soldiers were killed when around 25 New People’s Army rebels engaged members of the 27th Infantry Battalion in a gun battle that lasted an hour. Seven soldiers were also injured in the encounter.
The militants were believed to be part of Guerrilla Front 73 – Far South Mindanao Region.
Meanwhile, two villagers were killed when they were caught in the crossfire between the military and BIFF militants in Shariff Aguak town in Maguindanao.
The victims were identified as Unti Kamama, 60, and his grandson, Mohammad Kamama, 13. Six residents of Barangay Timbangan, including four children were also hurt. A soldier was wounded in the incident as well.
Reports said around 30 BIFF fighters attacked an Army detachment in the area, resulting in the clash.
Military spokesman Arnel Dela Vega believes the attack was in retaliation to the more than 30 BIFF members killed in recent offensives by combined forces of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the military.