DATU SAUDI AMPATUAN, Maguindanao del Sur – July 30, 2026 – Eight former members of a violent extremist group (VEG) have voluntarily surrendered to government authorities and turned over eight high-powered firearms in the latest peace initiative under the government’s Balik-Loob Program, signaling growing momentum in the campaign to end armed extremism in Central Mindanao.
The surrender ceremony was held at the headquarters of the 90th Infantry (BIGKIS-LAHI) Battalion in Barangay Kabengi, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, where the former extremists formally renounced armed struggle and pledged to rebuild their lives as peaceful members of society.
The surrenderers were officially presented by Lt. Col. Loqui O. Marco, Commanding Officer of the 90th Infantry (BIGKIS-LAHI) Battalion, to Brig. Gen. Edgar L. Catu, Assistant Division Commander of the 6th Infantry (KAMPILAN) Division and Commander of the 601st Infantry (UNIFIER) Brigade.
The surrendered firearms, described as high-powered weapons, were voluntarily turned over as part of the former rebels’ commitment to permanently abandon violence and support the government’s peace and security initiatives.
Immediate Assistance for Reintegration
To help the former extremists transition back into civilian life, they received immediate cash assistance and rice assistance from the local government unit, the Bangsamoro Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD), and the Ministry of Public Order and Safety (MPOS).
The assistance forms part of the government’s reintegration program aimed at providing former combatants with the resources needed to start anew, support their families, and discourage any return to armed activities.
Authorities emphasized that sustainable reintegration remains a key component of the government’s strategy to achieve lasting peace in conflict-affected communities across the Bangsamoro region.
“Choosing Peace Over Violence”
Brig. Gen. Catu described the surrender as a victory not only for the military but also for the families of the former extremists and the communities they once affected.
“The return of our brothers to the government and their voluntary surrender of firearms is a victory for all of us—especially their families and the entire community. It proves that our fellow citizens are choosing the path of peace over violence.”
He noted that the latest surrender followed a similar development just a day earlier, when six former extremists surrendered to the 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion while local residents also voluntarily turned over 18 loose firearms.
According to Catu, these consecutive developments demonstrate increasing public confidence in government peace initiatives and stronger community support against violent extremism.
He reiterated that the 601st Infantry Brigade remains open to all members of armed groups who wish to return to the fold of the law.
“We encourage those who remain in armed groups to follow their example so that together we can achieve lasting peace and development in our communities,” he said.
Military Commends Peace Efforts
Maj. Gen. Vladimir R. Cagara, Acting Commander of the Western Mindanao Command, Commander of the 6th Infantry (KAMPILAN) Division, and Joint Task Force Central, lauded the troops of the 90th Infantry Battalion and the 601st Infantry Brigade for their sustained efforts in implementing peace-building initiatives throughout the region.
He said the increasing number of voluntary surrenders reflects the effectiveness of the military’s collaboration with local government units, BARMM ministries, national government agencies, and community stakeholders.
“The successive surrender of former members of violent extremist groups and the turnover of loose firearms demonstrate the effective coordination among our military units, local governments, government agencies, and the unwavering support of our communities,” Cagara said.
He again appealed to the remaining members of violent extremist organizations to surrender their weapons and return to the government to live peacefully with their families.
Cagara also called on the public to continue cooperating with security forces in preserving peace and stability, particularly as preparations continue for the upcoming BARMM Parliamentary Elections.
“We likewise call on our citizens to continue supporting our security forces in maintaining peace and ensuring safe, orderly, and peaceful BARMM Parliamentary Elections,” he added.
Strengthening Peace in BARMM
Military officials said the latest Balik-Loob Program underscores the government’s continuing efforts to weaken violent extremist organizations through peaceful means while promoting reconciliation, community development, and reintegration.
Authorities remain optimistic that more members of armed groups will follow suit as government agencies continue to expand programs that offer former combatants opportunities for a peaceful and productive future, reinforcing long-term security and stability across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).