8ID Stormtroopers hailed for their display of heroism in Maguindanao

By DPAO, 8ID PA
April 2, 2015

CAMP VICENTE LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – Barely two weeks after being deployed in Maguindanao to support the 6th Infantry Division’s effort against the BIFF, troops of the 34th Infantry (Reliable) Battalion, 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army drew its first armed contact with the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) at Barangay Pamalian, Shariff Saydona Mustapha at 10:00 in the morning of March 29, 2015.

Troops of 34IB were part of the units operating in Pamalian, Datu Shariff Saydona town when they clashed with a group of BIFF fighters. The encounter resulted to 13 BIFF killed while 4 casualties were incurred by the government side.

Fatalities from the government side were identified as Corporal Faizal A. Julmain from Jolo, Sulu and Pfc Marlon S. Marino of Northern Samar. Wounded were Cpl Ireneo M. Bahian and Pfc Antonio B. Sanico. The remains of the fatalities will be transported by C-130 plane back to their hometown while those wounded are now recuperating at a military hospital in Cotabato City.

It can be recalled that, the BIFF was involved in the Mamasapano clash on January 25, 2015, leading to the deaths of 44 members of the PNP Special Action Force. Following the tragic incident, the group engaged in some clashes against the AFP, prompting the AFP to conduct offensive actions against the BIFF. The 34th Infantry Battalion, based at Northern Samar was redeployed to Mindanao to support the ongoing operations against the BIFF and other lawless elements which had been undermining the peace in Mindanao.