Two soldiers killed by rebels in S. Philippines

Two government soldiers, involved in the rehabilitation of a school building, were slain by members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in south Philippine province of Maguindanao Monday afternoon, the military said Tuesday.

Jo-ann Petinglay, public affairs officer of the Army's 6th Infantry Division (6th ID), said the two soldiers were on their way to pick up tools at Shariff Aguak town when they were attacked by BIFF men around 3 p.m..

Petinglay said the two, who were aboard a motorcycle without firearms and on athletic uniforms, were about 50 meters away from their destination when they were shot by undetermined number of BIFF men.

Petinglay said the suspects took the motorcycle of the two soldiers and escaped.

Responding soldiers brought the two victims to the Integrated Provincial Health Office-Maguindanao where they were declared dead upon arrival.

Petinglay said the 6th ID and local government officials are condemning the killing of the soldiers, noting that they are merely doing humanitarian mission and not involved in combat operations.

"The incident clearly manifests that the BIFF members are treacherously and would strike at soldiers who are not involved in actual combat operation if given the opportunity," said Petinglay.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines launched an all-out- offensive against the BIFF from Feb. 25 to March 25, leaving 139 BIFF members killed and 53 others injured.

The BIFF is the armed wing of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement, which broke away from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front due to disagreements over the conduct of peace negotiations with the Philippine government. Endi