DATU PIANG, Maguindanao del Sur — Fourteen former members of violent extremist groups voluntarily surrendered to government authorities while 41 loose firearms were formally turned over in a significant peace and security milestone in Central Mindanao on June 21, 2026.
The surrender and turnover ceremony was held at the Headquarters of the 38th Infantry Battalion in Sitio Landing Fish, Barangay Buayan, Datu Piang, Maguindanao del Sur, as part of the government’s intensified campaign against terrorism, armed violence, and the proliferation of illegally possessed firearms in the region.
The activity was spearheaded by Lt. Col. Erwin E. Felongco, Commanding Officer of the 38th Infantry Battalion, and witnessed by Brig. Gen. Edgar L. Catu, Commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade, who formally received the surrendered firearms.
Authorities described the development as a major boost to ongoing efforts aimed at weakening the influence of extremist organizations and reducing the availability of weapons that could be used in armed conflict, terrorism, and other criminal activities.
Representatives from various government agencies and local government units also attended the event, demonstrating a united front in supporting peacebuilding and reintegration initiatives. Among those present were officials from the Maguindanao Provincial Police Office (MPPO), the local government of Datu Piang, the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD), the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) of Datu Salibo, and the Office of the Mayor of Shariff Saydona Mustapha.
In his message, Brig. Gen. Catu commended the former extremists for choosing to abandon violence and return to the fold of the law.
“True courage is reflected in the decision to return to the government and turn away from the path of violence. This step proves that there is hope and an opportunity for a new beginning for everyone,” Catu said.
He also expressed gratitude to local communities whose support helped encourage the surrender of loose firearms and former extremist members.
According to Catu, the active participation of civilians, local governments, and partner agencies has been instrumental in advancing peace initiatives and reintegration programs throughout the region.
Meanwhile, Major General Vladimir R. Cagara, Commander of the 6th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Central, emphasized that the achievement reflects the effectiveness of the government’s whole-of-nation approach to combating terrorism and restoring peace in Mindanao.
“Our campaign against terrorism and the proliferation of loose firearms continues as part of our goal to maintain peace and order in Mindanao. This success is the result of the collective efforts of our soldiers, police officers, local government units, and, most importantly, our citizens who serve as vital partners in promoting peace,” Cagara said.
The military chief also called on remaining members of terrorist and extremist organizations to surrender and take advantage of government programs designed to help them reintegrate into society.
At the same time, he urged the public to continue supporting the government’s Balik-Baril Program, which seeks to reduce the number of loose firearms circulating in communities and prevent their use in violence, terrorism, and criminal activities.
Security officials noted that the surrender of 14 former extremists and the turnover of 41 firearms represent another step toward lasting peace and stability in Central Mindanao, a region that has long grappled with insurgency, armed conflict, and extremist activities.
Authorities said they remain committed to strengthening community engagement, expanding reintegration efforts, and sustaining security operations to ensure that former conflict-affected areas continue moving toward peace, development, and prosperity.