ZAMBOANGA CITY – Thirteen individuals who were once associated with the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) were formally introduced to military and local government officials on August 10, 2023.
In a ceremony held at the covered court in Barangay Pigcalagan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte, Lt. Col. Francis Balan, Commanding Officer of the 6th Mechanized Brigade, and Lt. Col. Agpaoa, Commanding Officer of the 92nd Infantry Battalion, presented the former violent extremists (FVEs) along with surrendered high-powered firearms to Brig. Gen. Leodevic Guinid, Commander of the 1st Brigade Combat Team (1BCT). The event was attended by various dignitaries, including Col. Jose Ambrosio Rustia of the 6th Infantry Division, Police Lt. Col. Henry Biñas of the Provincial Police Office Maguindanao del Sur, Datu Akas Ampatuan, Sangguniang Bayan Member and Committee Chair on Peace for BARMM, Sittie Janine Gamao of the Ministry of Public Order and Safety (MPOS), Emma Salik-Ali of Social Service and Development (MSSD) for BARMM, representatives from the Municipal Mayors of Midsayap and Pigcawayan in North Cotabato, and local chiefs from various areas in Maguindanao del Sur.
The FVEs were formerly associated with the BIFF’s Karialan and Bungos Factions, which operated in the provinces of Maguindanao del Sur and North Cotabato. These individuals, weary of the armed struggles, chose to renounce violence and voluntarily surrendered to the Joint Task Force Central.
The surrendered firearms included five 7.62mm Sniper rifles, two 60mm mortars, one Garand rifle, one Cal .50 Barret, two Rocket-Propelled Grenades, one 12-gauge Shotgun, and one M203 Grenade Launcher.
Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, Commander of the Western Mindanao Command, emphasized that the event highlighted the harmonious relationship and trust established between local government units and the security sector. He expressed that this collaboration plays a pivotal role in cultivating peaceful and progressive communities in Mindanao. “While we celebrate this achievement, our approach remains diplomatic, as we continue to engage local officials and partners in our ongoing efforts to eliminate lawless violence and disarm armed groups in the regions.”
