BULUAN, Maguindanao: The Armed Forces of the Philippines on Thursday launched fresh air and ground offensives against Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) after reports that the rebels were massing up in the town of Datu Saudi Ampatuan town.

Capt. Arvin Encinas, spokesman for the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, told The Manila Times that 12 BIFF terrorists were killed, citing an intelligence report from the ground.