CAMP SIONGCO — Seven members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) surrendered to the military in Maguindanao del Norte on Monday, seeking to reintegrate into civilian life and leave behind their involvement in terrorism.
According to Philippines News Agency, In a statement on Tuesday, Maj. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Central (JTFC), welcomed the surrenderers, describing them as “victims of wrong ideology and circumstances.” He emphasized the military’s ongoing efforts to collaborate with local stakeholders to end terrorism in Central Mindanao and encourage other terrorists to return to mainstream society.
The surrenderers, who were affiliated with the BIFF, turned themselves in separately to various units of the 1st Brigade Combat Team (1BCT) in Barangay Pigcalagan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte. Brig. Gen. Jose Vladimir Cagara, commander of the 1BCT, reported that two of the individuals surrendered to the 6th Mechanized Battalion, bringing their firearms with them. Five others surrendered to the Army’s 99th Infantry Battalion, handing over a 60mm mortar, an M14 rifle, a Garand rifle, an improvised explosive device, and ammunition.
The former combatants were formally presented to Maj. Gen. Nafarrete during a ceremony at the 1BCT headquarters in Pigcalagan. They received initial financial assistance and food packs from the local government and relevant government offices within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
To date, more than 50 terrorist members have surrendered to the military in mainland Mindanao this year.