Government troops have already destroyed at least 139 self-proclaimed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in their ongoing advance against militants in the southern Philippines, sources said.
Another 53 militants were wounded in the military operation, in which the troops captured 12 fighters, according to army spokesman Joselito Kakilala.
He said that the army is finalizing the active phase of the offensive and will "start an operation of containment as of next week."
The Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters is a breakaway militant group from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). It is seeking full independence and disagrees with the MILF's acceptance of autonomy.
