Maguindanao del Sur, Philippines – Ten former violent extremists (FVEs) from the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) laid down their arms and surrendered to the Joint Task Force (JTF) Central on November 15, 2024, marking a significant development in the ongoing fight against terrorism and the proliferation of loose firearms in the Bangsamoro region.
Courtesy of Joint Task Force Central.
The surrender, facilitated by the 33rd Infantry Battalion (33IB), involved nine members of the BIFF-Karialan Faction and one from the BIFF-Bungos Faction. The former combatants were officially presented at the 33IB Headquarters in Barangay Zapakan, Radjah Buayan, at 11 a.m. on Friday.
Key officials attending the event included Brig. Gen. Oriel Pangcog, Commander of the 601st Brigade; Shariff Aguak Municipal Mayor Akmad Ampatuan; Vice Mayor Marop Ampatuan; and representatives from the Ministry of Social Service and Development of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MSSD-BARMM) and AGILA-HAVEN.
Weapons Turned Over
Along with their surrender, the FVEs handed over a cache of high-powered firearms and explosive devices, including:
- One 7.62mm M14 rifle
- One 5.56mm M16A1 rifle
- One 5.56mm M653 rifle
- One .50 caliber sniper rifle
- Two .30 caliber sniper rifles
- One 5.56mm M4 carbine
- One 60mm mortar
- Two 40mm RPG launchers
A Step Toward Peace
Lt. Gen. William Gonzales, Chief of the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom), commended the JTF Central for its persistent efforts to dismantle terrorist networks in the area.
“The surrender of numerous FVEs is a testament to the dedication of our troops in disrupting the operations of terrorist groups. This milestone should inspire us to continue working toward the full reintegration of these individuals into peaceful society,” Gonzales stated.
He also expressed hope that more members of extremist groups would choose to surrender before the year ends.
Next Steps
The surrendered individuals are currently under the custody of the 33IB for custodial debriefing and profiling. The recovered firearms and explosives are being processed for proper disposition.
This development highlights the growing effectiveness of localized initiatives aimed at fostering peace and security in the Bangsamoro region. The involvement of local government units and BARMM representatives reinforces a whole-of-nation approach to addressing violent extremism.
As efforts to restore peace and stability continue, the surrender of these ten individuals stands as a beacon of hope for a safer and more secure Bangsamoro region.
