FIFTEEN members of the terrorist group Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) surrendered in Maguindanao and North Cotabato, the military said.
Eight of the BIFF men surrendered to members of the Army’s 90th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Poblacion, Pagalungan town in Maguindanao last Friday while the seven others gave up to the same battalion in Barangay Fort Pikit, in Pikit town in North Cotabato.
The 15 turned over to the military two Garand rifles, two Carbine rifles, three M14 Barrett rifles, two .50 caliber Barrett rifles, an M203 grenade launcher, a homemade rocket-propelled grenade, a homemade M79 grenade launcher, a hand grenade, two improvised explosive devices, an 81 mm mortar, and other ammunition.
Col. Jovencio Gonzales, commander of the Army’s 602nd Brigade, said the brigade has intensified cooperation with stakeholders in Central Mindanao “to put an end to terrorism in our area of responsibility.”
“Thus, as your Brigade commander I urge and convince the remaining terrorists, BIFF, and other lawless elements to end their armed struggle and return to the mainstream society,” said Gonzales.
The Army’s 6th Infantry Division said the 15 may surrendered due to the number of BIFF men who have returned to the government fold over the past months.
Since January last year, 124 BIFF members have surrendered to the military in Central Mindanao.
The 15 are undergoing custodial debriefing, prior to their enrolment to the government’s program for their reintegration to mainstream society.
