DATU PIANG, Maguindanao del Sur — Eleven former members of extremist groups have formally been presented to the Philippine Army’s 601st Infantry Brigade after undergoing the government’s reintegration program, marking another effort to encourage former combatants to abandon armed activities and return to civilian life.
The presentation took place on October 27, 2026, at the headquarters of the 38th Infantry (We Clear) Battalion under the 6th Infantry Division in Sitio Landing Fish, Barangay Buayan, Datu Piang, Maguindanao del Sur.
The 38IB, led by Acting Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Mark Anthony P. Tornalejo, presented the 11 former violent extremists (FVEs) to Brig. Gen. Gremel B. Brual, commander of the 601st Infantry (Unifier) Brigade.
Of the 11 former combatants, nine were identified as former members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), while the remaining two came from Dawlah Islamiyah (DI).
Five of the former members were from Shariff Saydona Mustapha, four from Rajah Buayan, and two from Datu Salibo. Authorities said all 11 had undergone the government’s balik-loob program, which seeks to facilitate their return to mainstream society.
Representatives from local governments, the Philippine National Police (PNP), and partner agencies attended the activity to express their support for the reintegration initiative.
Among those present were Roger D. Dionisio, supervising administrative officer representing the governor of Maguindanao del Sur; Samsudin Sandigan, municipal environment and natural resources officer of Datu Salibo; Datu Salibo Vice Mayor Omar K. Ali; and Datu Piang Mayor Victor T. Samama.
Also in attendance were Police Col. Michael John C. Mangahis, provincial director of the Maguindanao del Sur Police Provincial Office, and Lornaly Midtimbang, focal person for the Department of Social Services and Development’s (DSSRD) Social Services and Development Response (DSSR) under the Maguindanao del Sur Provincial Social Welfare Office, supervised by Emman L. Panondi.
Tornalejo underscored the importance of sustained coordination among the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), local government units, the PNP, and other partner agencies in pursuing lasting peace in Maguindanao del Sur.
Brual, meanwhile, commended the 11 former combatants for choosing to change direction and seek better lives for themselves and their families. He described their decision as a step toward becoming peacebuilders in their communities.
The brigade commander also recognized the contributions of municipal leaders, police personnel, community members, and the 38IB in supporting the reintegration effort. He highlighted the importance of initiatives intended to prevent the proliferation of loose firearms and provide former participants in armed activities with opportunities to return to civilian life and become productive members of society.
The presentation reflects continuing efforts by the Philippine Army, police, local governments, and other government partners to address the challenges associated with armed-group involvement and promote community security.
However, the long-term success of reintegration depends not only on former combatants’ decisions to leave armed groups but also on sustained community acceptance, access to livelihood opportunities, and continued institutional support.
For Maguindanao del Sur, the challenge remains translating these initiatives into lasting improvements in public safety, social stability, and economic opportunities for communities affected by armed conflict.