CAMP SIONGCO, Awang, DOS, Maguindanao del Norte – Due to the intensified focused military operations of our armies, four Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) have decided to abandon the armed struggle and return to the government.
The four former BIFF combatants – Karialan Faction were presented to AGILA HAVEN Focal Person Roger Dionesio; Hon. Ferdinand Agduma, Mayor of Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat and Brigadier General Pedro Balisi, Commander of the 1st Mechanized Brigade at the Headquarters of the 1st Mechanized Brigade, Camp Leono, Brgy. Kalandang, Tacurong City this December 6, 2022.
According to Brigadier General Pedro Balisi Jr., the Commander of the 1st Mechanized Brigade, the reason for their desertion to the extremist group was that they were too tired, hungry and fighting aimlessly. “Another thing here is the unceasing focused military operations of our soldiers so they have nowhere to go because our pursuit of them is unceasing”, BGen insisted. Anxious
They also surrendered their weapons which included a US 1911 60mm Mortar; a Colt M16 Rifle; a 9mm Tongram; a Cal .50 Barrett and two magazines.
It was learned that the four surrendered on December 2, 2022 to the leadership of the 1st Mechanized Battalion under the jurisdiction of the 1st Mechanized Infantry (Reliable) Brigade based in Brgy Kalandagan in the said city.
Major General Roy Galido, Commander of the 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division and Joint Task Force Central rejoiced at the good step taken by the four former combatants and that the violence will be reduced due to the surrender of the instruments of violence. “I know you are only victims of deception and misinformation, so your conversion to our government is a good opportunity that we can give space for peace in the land of the Promise, the Midnanao”, said Maj. Gen. Galido.
So far, 201 BIFFs have surrendered to the Joint Task Force Central since the month of January to date while 239 different types of weapons, including explosives have been recovered and confiscated in the surrender and military operations. against the BIFF team.
####
