CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao del Norte – Six former members of a violent extremist group (VEG) formally returned to the fold of the law as 24 loose firearms were voluntarily surrendered in a significant peace and security initiative conducted at the headquarters of the 1st Mechanized Infantry (Lakan) Battalion (1MechBn) in Barangay Midtimbang, Datu Anggal Midtimbang, Maguindanao del Sur on July 29.
The surrender ceremony underscored the continuing gains of the government’s peace and security campaign in Central Mindanao, with military officials highlighting the growing trust of communities in government-led reintegration and disarmament programs.
The six former extremists and the surrendered firearms were formally presented by Lt. Col. William Sabado, Commanding Officer of the 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion, to Brig. Gen. Edgar L. Catu, Assistant Division Commander of the 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division and Commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade.
Of the 24 loose firearms surrendered during the activity, seven were voluntarily turned over in the municipality of Talayan, another seven came from Guindulungan, four were surrendered in Datu Anggal Midtimbang, while the remaining six firearms were relinquished by the former violent extremist group members who simultaneously returned to government authority.
As part of the government’s reintegration program, the surrenderers immediately received cash assistance and rice support from the respective local government units, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Ministry of Social Services and Development of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MSSD-BARMM), and the Ministry of Public Order and Safety (MPOS-BARMM). The assistance aims to help them transition back into peaceful civilian life and provide opportunities for sustainable livelihoods.
Military officials said the latest surrender further strengthens the implementation of the Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Management Program, which seeks to reduce the proliferation of unregistered firearms and prevent armed violence across the Bangsamoro region.
Since 2025, the 601st Infantry Brigade, together with the 90th Infantry Battalion, 34th Infantry Battalion, 38th Infantry Battalion, 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion, and other subordinate units, has facilitated the voluntary surrender and recovery of a total of 747 high-powered firearms. The military also reported that an increasing number of former members of violent extremist organizations have chosen to abandon armed struggle and embrace peaceful reintegration.
Brig. Gen. Catu described the continuing surrender of firearms and the return of former extremists as a clear indication of the strengthening partnership between the Armed Forces of the Philippines, local government units, and communities.
He emphasized that these developments reflect the public’s growing confidence in government peace initiatives and reaffirmed that the 601st Infantry Brigade will continue implementing the SALW Management Program to sustain peace and security, particularly as the Bangsamoro region prepares for the upcoming BARMM Parliamentary Elections.
Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Jose Vladimir R. Cagara, Acting Commander of the Western Mindanao Command and Commander of Joint Task Force Central and the 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division, commended the sustained efforts of military units in preserving peace and stability across Central Mindanao.
He also renewed his appeal to remaining members of armed groups and individuals still possessing loose firearms to participate in government peace programs.
“I encourage the remaining members of armed groups and owners of loose firearms to seize this opportunity to return to the fold of the law and voluntarily surrender their weapons. Peace is everyone’s responsibility, and every act of cooperation is a significant contribution toward a safer future for our communities,” Maj. Gen. Cagara said.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines continues to strengthen collaboration with local governments, BARMM ministries, and partner agencies to encourage voluntary disarmament, facilitate reintegration, and address the root causes of conflict through inclusive peacebuilding efforts.
Security officials expressed optimism that sustained community participation and cooperation will further weaken violent extremist networks while creating a more stable and secure environment for residents throughout Central Mindanao.