DATU SAUDI AMPATUAN, Maguindanao del Sur — Ten members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF)–Bungos Faction and Dawlah Islamiya–Hassan Group voluntarily surrendered to government forces on Monday, November 17, turning over high-powered firearms and explosives as they formally returned to the folds of the law.
The surrender ceremony, held at the 90th Infantry Battalion headquarters in Barangay Kabingi, was led by 601st Infantry Brigade Commander BGen. Edgar Catu, with Datu Saudi Ampatuan Mayor Datu Bassir Utto and other local officials from the municipalities of Datu Unsay, Ampatuan, and Datu Hoffer in attendance.
According to BGen. Catu, the former violent extremist members yielded due to their desire to live peaceful and stable lives with their families. He added that the military’s relentless operations against armed groups in the region also played a major role in pushing them to abandon their former cause.
“This voluntary surrender is a product of continuous efforts to bring peace to our communities. These former combatants chose a new path because they want safety, progress, and a better future with their loved ones,” Catu said.
Following their formal return, the surrenderers received cash assistance and sacks of rice from the local government, while rice seeds were provided by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
Mayor Utto called on remaining members of the BIFF and the DI Hassan Group to lay down their arms and avail of the government’s peace and reintegration programs.
“The doors of the government will always remain open. We will not abandon anyone who chooses peace. For those still in the mountains, now is the time to return so we can all move forward toward a progressive and peaceful Bangsamoro,” the mayor said.
Officials emphasized that the event symbolizes unity, peace, and the collective aspiration for safety and progress within their communities. The local government and security sector assured continuous support to those who choose to reintegrate and rebuild their lives.