Camp Siongco, Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte – The 6th Infantry Battalion (6IB) has officially received the voluntary surrender of sixteen (16) members of a Local Terrorist Group (LTG) at their headquarters in Barangay Buayan, Datu Piang, Maguindanao del Sur on the morning of Friday, March 14, 2025.
According to 6IB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Al Victor Burkley, the surrendering individuals were presented to 601st Brigade Commander, Brig. Gen. Edgar Catu, along with their surrendered firearms. He further disclosed that the former violent extremists came from the municipalities of Datu Salibo (12), Datu Saudi Ampatuan (3), and Shariff Saydona Mustapha (1).
Brig. Gen. Catu confirmed that the 6IB has taken custody of the surrendered weapons for proper inventory and disposition. The former rebels immediately received assistance, including cash aid, rice, and agricultural products, from the respective local government units (LGUs) of the province, the Ministry of Public Order and Safety (MPOS), the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD), and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
“We extend our gratitude to the Philippine National Police (PNP), Local Government Units, and stakeholders for their active support in our continuous efforts to promote peace and progress in Maguindanao del Sur,” said Brig. Gen. Catu.
Meanwhile, Major General Donald Gumiran, Commander of the Joint Task Force Central and the 6th Infantry Division, urged the remaining LTG members to surrender, abandon armed activities, and reintegrate into society to live peacefully.
“The JTF Central and 6ID remain committed to strengthening peace and security in the region. Let us continue working together to reinforce our campaign against terrorism and threats of violence,” Maj. Gen. Gumiran stated.
Authorities remain hopeful that the latest surrender will encourage more members of terrorist groups to lay down their arms and support the government’s peace-building initiatives in the Bangsamoro region.
