RADJAH BUAYAN, Maguindanao del Sur – A historic event took place on October 9, 2025, at the headquarters of the 33rd Infantry (Makabayan) Battalion in Barangay Zapakan, Radjah Buayan, as four former members of a violent extremist group voluntarily surrendered to the military and handed over their high-powered firearms.
The ceremony, led by Lt. Col. Germen T. Legada, Commanding Officer of the 33rd IB, also saw the voluntary surrender of 17 loose firearms from residents of Mamasapano, Shariff Aguak, Sultan sa Barongis, and Rajah Buayan in support of the government’s Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Program.
Brigadier General Edgar L. Catu, Commander of the 601st Infantry (Unifier) Brigade, 6th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, spearheaded the activity, which was attended by representatives from various government and local agencies.
Among those present were Mr. Roger Dionisio, representative from the Office of the Provincial Governor; Mr. Emmel S. Akmad, Acting Provincial Warden and Peace Program Officer IV of MPOS-BARMM; Hon. Mohamad Akmad B. Ampatuan, Vice Mayor of Shariff Aguak; Datu Penz Magelna, LGU Ampatuan representative and Head of Task Force Peace, Unity, Reconciliation, and Development; and Ms. Johana D. Matula, Municipal Link of Radjah Buayan.
According to reports, the four returnees voluntarily surrendered to the government to start a peaceful life with their families. As part of the reintegration program, they received various forms of assistance, including rice, grocery items, and cash aid from local and national government agencies to help them begin anew.
In his message, Brig. Gen. Catu underscored the importance of unity and collaboration in achieving peace:
“This success is not only for the military but for the entire community. Each former rebel’s decision to return is proof that more of our people now choose peace over violence. We will continue strengthening our ties with the LGUs and communities to attain lasting peace in Maguindanao del Sur.”
Meanwhile, Major General Donald M. Gumiran, Commander of the 6th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Central, lauded the dedication of the 601st Brigade, the 33rd Infantry Battalion, and the support of local government units in implementing peace and security initiatives.
“The unity of the military, LGUs, and citizens is the true foundation of lasting peace and progress,” General Gumiran emphasized.
The event stands as a testament to the successful collaboration between the military, local government units, and communities of Maguindanao del Sur—part of the continuing peace engagement and localized peace efforts of the 601st Brigade and the 33rd Infantry (Makabayan) Battalion toward ending violence and promoting sustainable peace across the province.