DATU SAUDI AMPATUAN, MAGUINDANAO DEL SUR — In a significant boost to the government’s peace and reintegration efforts, 11 active members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) – Bungos Faction peacefully surrendered to authorities during a formal “Presentation of Balik-Loob” ceremony held on July 9, 2025, at the headquarters of the 90th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Kabengi, Datu Saudi Ampatuan.
The ceremony, spearheaded by the 90th Infantry (Bigkis-Lahi) Battalion under the 6th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, in coordination with the 1st Civil-Military Operations Company and other stakeholders, marked a new chapter for the former rebels who decided to abandon armed struggle and embrace peace.
Motivated by poverty, concerns for safety, and the promise of better opportunities under improved governance, the surrenderees turned over high-powered firearms, including an M653 rifle, M203 grenade launcher, M16 rifle, Cal. 50 Barrett sniper rifle, 7.62mm sniper rifle, M1 carbine, two M1 Garand rifles, 7.62mm single-shot muzzleloader, M79 grenade launcher, and a 9mm Uzi — symbolizing their sincerity in rejoining mainstream society.
LTC Loqui O. Marco, Commanding Officer of the 90th IB, officially presented the returnees and their surrendered firearms to BGEN Edgar L. Catu, Commander of the 601st Infantry (Unifier) Brigade.
Also present were representatives from various local government units — including the municipalities of Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Datu Unsay, Shariff Aguak, Datu Hoffer, Ampatuan, and Datu Abdullah Sangki — as well as officials from the Ministry of Public Order and Safety (MPOS-BARMM), Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR), Non-Violent Peaceforce, Philippine National Police, and the Office of the Governor of Maguindanao del Sur.
The returnees received immediate assistance, including sacks of rice, food packs, corn seeds, and cash aid from local governments and agencies, in support of their transition to peaceful civilian life. Among the aid distributed were:
- 11 sacks of rice from Datu Saudi Ampatuan;
- 11 sacks of rice and cash assistance from Ampatuan;
- 11 sacks of rice and non-perishable goods from Shariff Aguak;
- Cash aid from Datu Hoffer;
- 11 sacks of corn seeds from MAFAR-BARMM;
- Cash assistance from MPOS-BARMM;
- 22 boxes of non-perishable goods and cash aid from the office of former Congressman Tong Paglas;
- 25 sacks of rice from the Office of the Governor of Maguindanao del Sur.
LTC Marco lauded the collective efforts of the military, police, and local governments in facilitating the surrender, highlighting the success of government programs aimed at reintegrating former rebels and restoring peace in conflict-affected communities.
“This is a clear testament to our unified commitment to peace. We believe in giving former rebels a second chance to live as productive members of society. Our doors remain open to those still in the armed movement. We urge them to follow the footsteps of their comrades and be part of our shared vision for lasting peace and development,” LTC Marco said.
The event serves as a reminder of the importance of inclusive governance, peace education, and support mechanisms for former combatants in pursuit of a more stable and prosperous Bangsamoro region.