SHARIFF AGUAK, Maguindanao: The Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) has claimed responsibility for the twin explosions that wounded seven soldiers of the Philippine Marines and a policeman in Upi town of Maguindanao.

Abu Misry Mama, spokesman for the outlawed Islamic State-inspired BIFF, said their armed group was behind the attack on government combatants; he did not elaborate.