MAGUINDANAO, Philippines — A soldier and four members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) were killed in an encounter in this province on Saturday, the military reported yesterday.

The slain soldier was identified as Pfc. Carl Anthony Dionaga. Pfc. Harold John Dionisio was wounded.

The clash occurred after bandits fired at soldiers deployed to secure ethnic Teduray communities on Mt. Firis at the border of Datu Saudi and Datu Unsay towns. 

 Lt. Col. Gerry Besana, Task Force Central spokesman, said they have been receiving reports from local officials and village leaders that among the fatalities was a certain Salahudin, who was allegedly trained by Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir, alias Marwan, in making bombs. 

“The reports are very persistent, but we can’t make a conclusion without validating the information,” Besana said.

A police officer and two other persons were killed in roadside bombings allegedly perpetrated by BIFF men also in this province last week.

Maj. Gen. Arnel dela Vega of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (ID) said the BIFF is expected to launch more attacks in retalitation for its losses.

Clashes between soldiers of the 6th ID and BIFF gunmen started on Dec. 25 when the bandits attacked ethnic Teduray villagers, burned their  houses and took their farm animals. The bandits also shot dead tribal chieftain Diego Dagadas two weeks ago.