CAMP SIONGCO, Awang, DOS, Maguindanao del Norte – Six members of the terrorist BIFF turned themselves in to the government this Friday afternoon (April 21, 2023) in Barangay Salunayan, Midsayap, Cotabato.
They voluntarily surrendered to Brigadier General Donald Gumiran, 602nd Infantry (Liberator) Brigade Commander and Lieutenant Colonel Rey Rico, 34th Infantry (Reliable) Battalion Commander in a brief program conducted with the Philippine National Police and Local Government Unit at the 34IB headquarters .
According to Lt. Col. Rico, the former BIFF members brought their weapons which included one (1) Cal. 30 Garand Rifles, two (2) 7.62mm Sniper Rifles, one (1) 7.62mm rifle, one (1) M79 Grenade Launcher and one (1) M14 Rifle with magazines and ammunition.
Brig. Gen. Fortunately, their conversion was possible because our armies successfully persuaded them to return to the government.
“We have also intensified the campaign against violence and maintaining order in the town of Cotabato”. This goal includes encouraging members of various terrorist groups that prey on and deceive innocent civilians to join their group”, declared Brig. Gen. Follow
The converts will be presented to Mayor Rolly Sacdalan of the town of Midsayap so that they can be given initial assistance from the local government.
The Ministry of Social Services and Development – BARMM has also extended assistance for them.
Meanwhile, according to Major General Alex Rillera, Commander of the 6ID and Joint Task Force Central, the converts will be enrolled in the government’s program for their integration into mainstream society.
“The remarkable successes we have achieved in the campaign against terrorism and insurgency can be attributed to good governance and strong cooperation. Therefore, we will maintain this momentum so that we can achieve the lasting peace that we long for. Those who convert are put through the process so that they receive benefits from our government and do not return to false beliefs caused by fraudulent groups”, added 6ID and JTF Central Commander Maj. Gen. Rillera.
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