CAMP SIONGCO, Awang, DOS, Maguindanao del Norte – Thirteen (13) victims of wrong ideology and circumstances finally gave up their armed struggle and chose a more orderly and peaceful life.
This was the reason for the thirteen former fighters of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters to abandon the armed struggle in addition to wanting to be with their loved ones.
That is why the 1st Brigade Combat Team organized their surrender ceremony to the government at the 1BCT headquarters in Barangay Pigkalagan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte, August 10th.
They also brought with them their war equipment which includes 50 caliber Barrett, Sniper rifle, Grenade launcher, RPG, ammunition and many others.
Brigadier General Leodivic Guinid, the Brigade Commander of 1BCT, said that the government is serious about meeting the needs of our countrymen who have lost their way. “Violence is not the answer to any aspiration being promoted, here is your government that is ready to listen to your grievances to provide a solution to whatever you are fighting for”, said Brig. Gen. pulled
The chief executives of the towns of Datu Saudi, Rajah Buayan, Datu Unsay, Sharif Saydona, Datu Hoffer, Datu Abdullah Sangki and Mamasapano, all in the province of Maguindanao del Sur, also witnessed the presentation of former extremist individuals.
They were immediately given financial assistance, one sack of rice each, food packs from MSSD BARMM and others.
It is known that their conversion was previously presented to the 92nd Infantry (Tanglaw-Diwa) Battalion led by Lt. Col. Rommel Agpaoa, Commanding Officer of the 92IB and the 6th Mechanized (Salaknib) Battalion led by Lt. Col. Francis Balan, Commanding Officer of 6MechBn. The converts were from the Karialan and Bungos Factions.
Because of this, Major General Alex S. Rillera, Commander of the 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division and Joint Task Force Central praised these efforts of the 1BCT under the operation control of JTF-Central to pave the way to grow the continuous springing silence and peace. “You who see the difference if you respond to the goal of peace of our government, you can live safely with your loved ones, so I continue to call on your colleagues to return to the government and help us develop our town”, said Maj. Gen. Rillera.
So far, the number of rebels who have disappeared from the ranks of the BIFF has reached 115 as a result of the efforts of various units under the JTF-Central, government agencies and the community itself from the month of January until now . Of the said number, 1 – was arrested, 17 – were killed in the operations while 97 were converted to the government.
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