CAMP SIONGCO, Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte — Sixteen former members of the Dawlah Islamiyah–Hassan Group (DI-HG) have laid down their arms and chosen to return to civilian life, marking another milestone in the government’s ongoing peace efforts in Mindanao.
The surrender took place on November 12, 2025, when the former militants voluntarily turned themselves in to troops of the 6th Infantry (Redskin) Battalion (6IB) in Barangay Buayan, Datu Piang, Maguindanao del Sur, under the leadership of Lt. Col. Al Victor C. Burkley.
According to Lt. Col. Burkley, the group’s decision to surrender demonstrates their genuine intent to live peacefully and reintegrate into society. They also surrendered a significant cache of weapons, including an M16A1 rifle, two 60mm mortars, a sniper rifle, four rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), an M79 grenade launcher, a .38 caliber pistol, an FAL rifle, two M653 A1 rifles, a caliber .50, and a caliber .30 sniper rifle.
The surrenderers were formally presented to Brigadier General Edgar L. Catu, Commander of the 601st Infantry (Unifier) Brigade, in a simple yet symbolic ceremony aimed at encouraging other remaining DI-HG members to follow suit and abandon armed struggle.
Local officials, led by Datu Piang Mayor Victor Samama, attended the ceremony along with representatives from the municipalities of Mamasapano, Datu Salibo, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Datu Hoffer, and Nabalawag in the Special Geographic Area (SGA), BARMM. They extended immediate financial aid and rice assistance to the former combatants as part of the reintegration support provided by local government units.
In his message, Brig. Gen. Catu commended the surrenderers for their courage in choosing peace over conflict.
“Your decision to return to the folds of the law is not an act of weakness but a true display of courage — a commitment to live peacefully and honorably for your families,” he said.
Major General Jose Vladimir R. Cagara, Commander of the 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division and Joint Task Force Central (JTFC), hailed the event as a testament to the effectiveness of the government’s peace and reconciliation initiatives.
“Their return proves that violence and armed struggle will never bring genuine change — only suffering and destruction to families and communities,” said Maj. Gen. Cagara. “This surrender is a clear sign that our peace programs are working, thanks to the cooperation of our local leaders and communities.”
Maj. Gen. Cagara added that the 6ID and JTFC will continue to implement programs that ensure sustainable peace and support for former rebels, enabling them to rebuild their lives as productive and law-abiding citizens.
The latest surrender of former Dawlah Islamiyah members underscores the strengthening peace momentum in Maguindanao and nearby areas, where local and military efforts remain steadfast in transforming conflict-affected communities into zones of peace and development.