DATU PIANG, Maguindanao del Sur — Twenty-three (23) former violent extremists (FVEs) laid down their arms and returned to the fold of the law in a ceremony held on Monday, August 25, 2025, at the 6th Infantry (Redskin) Battalion headquarters in Barangay Buayan, Datu Piang.
The surrender, part of the continuing campaign against local terrorist groups (LTGs) in Central Mindanao, was led by Lt. Col. Al Victor C. Burkley, Commanding Officer of 6IB, and formally presented to Brig. Gen. Edgar L. Catu, Commander of the 601st Infantry (Unifier) Brigade, 6ID, PA.
The surrenderers, who came from Datu Salibo (6), Mamasapano (3), Midsayap (3), Olandang (1), Shariff Aguak (5), Shariff Saydona Mustapha (1), Datu Hoffer (1), and Ampatuan (1), handed over a cache of high-powered firearms and war materiel. These included two M79 grenade launchers, three Garand rifles, two M14 rifles, two RPGs, four Cal. 30 rifles, one KG9, one M653 rifle, one Carbine, three 60mm mortars, one 81mm mortar, and one Garand converted into an M14 rifle.
Among the officials and peace stakeholders who witnessed the ceremony were representatives from the Bangsamoro Parliament and local government units: Mr. Saud Guamilon from the office of BTA MP Atty. Bai Sittie Fahanie S. Uy-Oyod; Mamasapano LGU Secretary to the Mayor Mr. Roger Gornez; Acting Municipal Mayor of Datu Salibo Hon. Omar K. Ali; Nabalawag Mayor Hon. Datu Rhenz Tukuran; Mr. Norodin Burudan representing Datu Piang Mayor Victor T. Samama; Program Manager Muamar Shariff Alim of the Non-Violent Peace Force; Mr. Rex Turino of Sandigan; and other stakeholders.
To help them rebuild their lives, the former extremists received immediate assistance that included two tractors, two agricultural sprayers, 21 sacks of rice from MP Uy-Oyod, 21 sacks of rice from Mayor Samama of Datu Piang, and cash aid from Mamasapano Mayor Hon. Datu Akmad “Butch” Ampatuan Jr.
One of the surrenderers, identified only as Alias Karim for security reasons, expressed deep gratitude:
“Matagal kaming naligaw ng landas, pero ngayon ay nakita namin na walang patutunguhan ang armadong pakikibaka. Mas mabuti ang buhay na tahimik, kasama ang aming mga pamilya. Malaking pasasalamat namin sa pamahalaan at sa mga sundalo na tinanggap kami at binigyan ng pagkakataong magsimula muli.”
Brig. Gen. Catu, in his message, welcomed the decision of the former rebels, emphasizing that their return is a gift not only to themselves but especially to their families:
“Mga kapatid, sa pagbabalik ninyo ngayon, pinili ninyo ang tamang landas. Hindi lamang ninyo iniligtas ang inyong mga sarili kundi higit sa lahat ang inyong mga pamilya. Ang inyong mga anak ang tunay na biktima ng kaguluhan. Nawa’y magsilbi kayong inspirasyon sa iba pang naliligaw ng landas.”
Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Donald M. Gumiran, Commander of the 6th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Central, lauded the development as a testament to the effectiveness of the government’s whole-of-nation approach:
“Ang pagsuko ng 23 dating kasapi ng teroristang grupo ay malinaw na patunay na epektibo ang ating pagtutulungan para sa kapayapaan. Hinihikayat namin ang iba pang nalalabing miyembro ng violent extremists na sundan ang yapak ng inyong mga kasamahan. Ang tunay na laban ngayon ay laban para sa kapayapaan at kaunlaran.”
Acting Vice Mayor Omar K. Ali of Datu Salibo also assured that livelihood assistance from their LGU will be extended to their town’s surrenderers once their local budget issues are resolved. Currently, the municipality faces financial difficulties due to pending legal cases involving its elected mayor.
The Philippine Army, in partnership with LGUs and civil society, reiterated its commitment to assist the former rebels in reintegrating into their communities, underscoring that peace and development can only be achieved when armed struggle is abandoned in favor of dialogue and cooperation.