SHARIFF AGUAK, Maguindanao del Sur — Eleven former members of local terrorist groups (LTGs) formally surrendered to authorities and turned over firearms, explosives, and unexploded ordnance (UXOs) during a peace and reintegration ceremony held on June 10 at Camp Datu Akilan in Ampatuan, marking another significant milestone in the province’s ongoing efforts to promote peace and security.
The surrender ceremony was spearheaded by the Maguindanao del Sur Police Provincial Office under the leadership of Provincial Director PCOL Michael John C. Mangahis, in collaboration with multiple government and security agencies, including the Maguindanao Provincial Intelligence Office (MAPIO), Regional Intelligence Unit 15 (RIU-15), National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), Provincial Explosive and Canine Unit (PECU), Special Action Force (SAF), the 601st Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army, and other support units.
The Provincial Government of Maguindanao del Sur, headed by Governor Datu Ali M. Midtimbang, also played a crucial role in facilitating the event, underscoring a united government approach toward conflict resolution, community development, and the reintegration of former combatants into mainstream society.
Authorities said the surrenderers included five members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) affiliated with the Karialin and Bungos factions, as well as six members operating under Commander Saga Animbang.
As part of their surrender, the former combatants voluntarily turned over several high-risk weapons and explosives, including improvised explosive devices (IEDs), a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG), loose firearms, and live ammunition. The Philippine National Police immediately secured, documented, and inventoried all surrendered items in accordance with established protocols to ensure proper handling and disposition.
Officials emphasized that the recovery of the explosives and firearms significantly reduces potential threats to civilians, law enforcement personnel, and military forces operating in the province.
During the ceremony, a representative of the surrenderers expressed the group’s collective decision to abandon armed struggle and pursue peaceful and productive lives alongside their families and communities.
Authorities hailed the development as a testament to the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations, sustained inter-agency coordination, and active community engagement programs aimed at addressing the root causes of armed conflict.
The event was attended by key government and security officials, including Provincial Government representative Roger D. Dionisio, Maj. Saber Balogan of the 601st Brigade, PCOL Teddy B. Tomas of RIU-15, PLTCOL Dave Abarra of MAPIO, PMAJ Denver Apola of the 4th Special Action Battalion, Jonas Felipe of NICA 17-BARMM, and PCpl John Roland T. Siladan of PECU Maguindanao del Sur.
To support their transition back into society, the surrenderers received livelihood assistance and certificates of reintegration from the government. The assistance package is intended to help them establish sustainable sources of income and encourage long-term participation in community-building efforts.
Officials noted that reintegration programs are essential in preventing former combatants from returning to armed activities while providing them with opportunities to rebuild their lives through legal and productive means.
In his closing message, PCOL Mangahis commended the former LTG members for their courage in choosing peace and abandoning violence.
“The success of this activity reflects the power of unity among government agencies, local leaders, and communities in achieving lasting peace,” Mangahis said. “We encourage the surrenderers to become ambassadors of peace and inspire others still involved in armed groups to choose a better path for themselves and their families.”
Following the ceremony, authorities immediately conducted profiling and documentation procedures to facilitate the surrenderers’ inclusion in the government’s reintegration program.
Security officials described the surrender as a decisive step toward strengthening peace, stability, and public safety in Maguindanao del Sur, while demonstrating the government’s continuing commitment to reconciliation, development, and the pursuit of a conflict-free future for the Bangsamoro region.