In a significant move towards peace, 15 members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) laid down their arms and surrendered to the military in Maguindanao. The surrender took place at the headquarters of the Army’s 1st Brigade Combat Team in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to quell extremism in the region.
The group, identified as part of the ‘Bongos’ faction of BIFF, handed over their weapons, which included two homemade .50-caliber Barrett sniper rifles and ammunition. This act of surrender was facilitated by relentless military operations in Central Mindanao, as stated by Lt. Col. Gilbert Boado of the Army’s 6th Mechanized Battalion.
Following their surrender, the former extremists were provided with essential support to aid their reintegration into society. They received food supplies, including sacks of rice, and financial assistance from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’s Ministry of Social Services and Development. These resources are intended to help them rebuild their lives and contribute positively to their communities.
Brig. Gen. Jose Vladimir Caraga, the commander of the 1st Brigade Combat Team, praised the decision of the surrenderers and encouraged them to influence others still engaged in armed conflict to follow their example. ‘You have chosen the path of peace. Encourage your peers to do the same,’ Caraga urged, emphasizing the importance of collective action towards lasting peace in the region.