BARANGAY PIGCALAGAN, SULTAN KUDARAT, Maguindanao del Norte — Ten former members of violent extremist groups formally surrendered to the 6th Mechanized Infantry (SALAKNIB) Battalion, bringing with them an assortment of high-powered firearms in a significant boost to the government’s peace and reintegration efforts in the region.
Nine of the surrenderers were identified as former members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters–Karialan Faction, while one belonged to the Dawlah Islamiyah Group. Their surrender, according to authorities, was the result of sustained negotiations, community engagement, and focused operations by the 6th Mechanized Battalion under the leadership of Lt. Col. Florencio Zambo V. Taguba Jr., with the support of the 1st Brigade Combat Team headed by Col. Rommel S. Pagayon.
The formal presentation of the surrenderers and the symbolic turnover of their firearms were held at the 6Mech Bn Advance Command Post in Brgy. Pigcalagan on December 1, 2025. Among the weapons surrendered were high-powered rifles, two mortars, one RPG, an explosive device, and several small arms.
In a related effort to curb the proliferation of loose firearms in local communities, 15 additional weapons were voluntarily turned over by residents to the military under the Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Management Program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the national government.
Representatives from the Provincial Government of Maguindanao del Norte, including Atty. John Rangal Nadua who stood for Governor Datu Tucao O. Mastura, received the surrendered loose firearms and committed further support to the peace initiative. The provincial government also distributed rice assistance and livelihood support packages to the former rebels as part of their reintegration into the community.
Sultan Kudarat Municipal Administrator Banjo Mampon, together with officials from the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG), conducted profiling and extended additional assistance to the surrenderers. PCOL Victor G. Rito, Provincial Director of the Maguindanao del Norte Police Provincial Office, likewise expressed the PNP’s support for the ongoing peace efforts.
In an inspirational message, Col. Pagayon lauded the former rebels for abandoning violence and choosing the path of peace, urging them to seize opportunities for livelihood and personal growth.
“Your decision to return to the fold of the law is a brave step toward a safer and more progressive future,” he told the surrenderers, assuring them of the government’s full support in their reintegration journey.
The 6th Mechanized Infantry Battalion emphasized its continued commitment to fostering peace, cooperation, and development in conflict-affected communities—affirming that lasting peace can only be achieved through unity, understanding, and genuine compassion among stakeholders.