CAMP SIONGCO, Awang, DOS, Maguindanao del Norte – In a major boost to the efforts towards achieving peace and stability in Mindanao, 29 former members of violent extremists have surrendered and laid down their arms. The presentation was held at the 1st Brigade Combat Team Headquarters in Brgy. Pigcalagan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Sur, on February 21, 2023.
The surrenderees, who were operating under the groups of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighter (BIFF) – Karialan and Bungos Factions in the Provinces of Maguindanao del Sur and North Cotabato, were presented to LGUs by Brigadier General Leodevic Guinid, Commander of 1BCT.
The ceremony was also witnessed by the PNP, personnel from Project TUGON, Ministry of Public Order and Safety of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), and representatives of municipal mayors from Midsayap, Pigcawayan, and Aleosan, all of North Cotabato; and Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Rajah Buayan, Shariff Aguak, Datu Salibo, Datu Unsay, Shariff Saydona, and Ampatuan, all of Maguindanao del Sur.
Brig. Gen. Guinid said, “If the former BIFF members satisfy the requirements to become soldiers, they could potentially be integrated into the Armed Forces.”
These former violent extremists operating in the aforementioned Provinces surrendered their high-powered firearms to the 1BCT, including five (5) Cal. 50 Sniper Rifle; one (1) M14 Rifle, 7.62mm; two (2) Cal. 30 M1 Garand Rifle; four (4) 7.62mm Sniper Rifle; three (3) Homemade 5.56mm Sniper Rifle; two (2) M16A1 Rifles 5.56mm; one (1) UZI, 9mm; one (1) Homemade KG9 Pistol 9mm; three (3) Rocket Propelled Grenade Launchers; three (3) M79 Grenade Launchers; two (2) tubes of M203 40mm Grenade Launcher; one (1) of M203 40mm Grenade Launcher; four (4) cartridges of 40mm, HE; and several ammunition, which they had previously surrendered to the battalions under 1BCT including the 92IB, 99IB, and 6th Mechanized Battalion.
Major General Alex Rillera, Commander of the Joint Task Force Central and the 6th Infantry (KAMPILAN) Division, congratulated the 1BCT for this significant accomplishment and thanked the local government units for their effective partnership in attaining peace and development in Central and South Central Mindanao. “The surrender is a significant step towards achieving lasting peace and security in Mindanao. It reminds us that violent extremism has no place in our communities, and the government will continue to work tirelessly to combat this threat. We remain committed in supporting the surrenderees as they reintegrate into society and rebuild their lives,” Maj. Gen. Rillera stated.
####