At least seven alleged members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) surrendered on Sunday to the military in Maguindanao del Sur. The surrender took place at the 33rd Infantry Battalion headquarters in Barangay Zapakan, Rajah Buayan town.
Maj. Gen. Alex Rillera, Joint Task Force Central Commander, said that the surrender of the seven BIFF men was a result of the continuing efforts of the 33rd IB under Lt. Col. Udgie Villan, to clear their area of operation from the traces of terrorism.
Villan said the surrendered personalities were former members of the BIFF-Karialan Faction under the late Commander Motorola and that heir names will not be revealed for security reasons.”
“The former violent extremists turned over one caliber 30 M1 Garand Springfield Armory, one caliber 7.62mm rifle with magazine, two 9mm Uzi with magazines, three improvised explosive devices, and one clip of caliber 30 M1 Garand ammunition.
Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, Western Mindanao Command Chief, urged the remaining members of the terror groups to surrender and take advantage of the government’s reintegration programs that will allow them to live peacefully and become productive members of society.
“Rest assured that together with our partners from the National Task Force to End Local Armed Conflict, we will give our full support to those who return to the fold of the law. We will walk with them as they begin a new life and reunite with their families and loved ones,” Galido said.
The surrenders and their firearms are now under the custody of the 33rd IB.
