In a notable move towards peace, six members of the notorious Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) have surrendered to the police in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The event took place in Cotabato City, signaling a hopeful step in the region’s journey towards stability.
Brig. Gen. Romeo Macapaz, the regional director of the BARMM police, highlighted that the surrender of these armed BIFF members, who were under the command of Kagui Karialan, was a result of persistent government efforts and negotiations. Macapaz expressed optimism about this development, stating that it represents a crucial breakthrough as these individuals have opted for peace and societal reintegration.
The BIFF, known for its allegiance to ISIS and its aim to establish an Islamic state in Mindanao, has been notorious for its violent activities against both government forces and civilian populations. The surrendered militants handed over an array of weapons, including a homemade .50-caliber Barrett sniper rifle, a .30-caliber Garand rifle, an M79 grenade launcher, a homemade rocket-propelled grenade, an Uzi machine pistol, and a 12-gauge shotgun.
Macapaz emphasized that the police will keep a close watch on the activities of these former BIFF members to prevent any return to their previous militant ways.