MAGUINDANAO DEL SUR – Four members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) from the Bungos Faction have surrendered to government forces in a joint effort to restore peace and stability in the region. The surrender took place on February 27, 2025, at the 1st Mechanized Battalion headquarters in Guindulungan, Maguindanao del Sur.
The successful surrender was facilitated through the concerted efforts of the 601st Brigade, 6th Infantry Division (6ID), 1st Mechanized Battalion of the Philippine Army, the Maguindanao del Sur Police Provincial Office, the Police Regional Office Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO BAR), and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Maguindanao del Sur. The sustained dialogue and coordination between security forces and local officials played a crucial role in convincing the BIFF members to abandon armed struggle and return to civilian life.
During the surrender, the former combatants handed over their weapons, which included one M16A1 rifle, two .30 caliber Garand rifles, and one 40mm M203 grenade launcher. The turnover of firearms is a significant step towards reducing armed conflict in the area.
To support their reintegration into society, the local government, under the leadership of Board Member Hon. Datu Bobby Midtimbang, provided livelihood assistance. The assistance package included four tricycles, rice, and financial aid, aimed at helping the former rebels transition into productive members of their communities.
PBGEN Romeo J. Macapaz, Regional Director of PRO BAR, lauded the efforts of the security forces in facilitating the surrender and emphasized the importance of community support in maintaining peace and security in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. He called on the public to continue backing the government’s initiatives in combating criminality and terrorism.
The surrender of these BIFF members marks another milestone in the government’s ongoing efforts to promote peace and stability in Mindanao. Authorities remain hopeful that more individuals will follow suit and choose the path of peace over violence.
