May 6, 2025 | Datu Salibo, Maguindanao del Sur — Five members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) voluntarily surrendered to the 48th Infantry (Guardians) Battalion under the leadership of Lt. Col. Kenny Rae C. Tizon. The turnover took place during a simple “Kanduli” ceremony—a traditional Maguindanaon thanksgiving ritual—to express gratitude to the Almighty.
The surrenderers were presented along with their high-powered firearms to Brigadier General Edgar L. Catu, commander of the 601st Brigade, in a ceremony held in the municipality of Datu Salibo.
The former rebels were identified as Muhammidin Panegas a.k.a. Dindin; Abdula Muhamad a.k.a. Parkat; Datu Manot Abubakar Panegas a.k.a. Joy; Abdullah Yusop a.k.a. Boro; and Datu Ali Panegas a.k.a. Kanutan. They turned over five high-powered firearms, including one M14 rifle, one M16 rifle, one Carbine, one Cal. .50 rifle, and one Cal. .30 rifle.
According to Lt. Col. Tizon, the surrender is the result of intensified military operations against terrorism, in collaboration with local government units and community leaders. “I believe this is proof that our whole-of-nation approach is working, where all agencies come together to promote peace and development in our area,” he said.
In a separate act of support, Datu Jong Ampatuan, mayoral candidate for Datu Salibo, along with his running mate Vice Mayor Omar Ali, turned over an 81mm mortar and a 5.56 rifle to authorities. This was a gesture of their commitment to the government’s campaign against loose firearms and efforts to maintain peace not only in Datu Salibo but throughout the province and the BARMM region.
One of the surrenderers, who served as a sub-leader in their unit, shared their motivation: “We’ve grown tired of the violence. We realized our cause was going nowhere. We just want to return to our families and live peaceful lives.”
Brig. Gen. Catu expressed his gratitude to local officials and residents for supporting efforts to combat loose firearms and for helping rebels reintegrate into society. “This is not only a victory for the 48IB and the 601st Brigade, but also for the entire Bangsamoro community that longs for genuine and lasting peace in the region,” he said.
The 601st Brigade continues to urge remaining BIFF members to take advantage of the government’s offer for reintegration and be part of the journey toward lasting peace in the region.