SULTAN KUDARAT, Maguindanao del Norte — Five former members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) from Maguindanao del Sur formally surrendered to authorities on Friday, February 13, 2026, in a ceremonial activity held at the Municipal Hall in Barangay Dalumangcob, Sultan Kudarat.
The surrender involved one member of the PSR-BIFF Bungos Faction and four members of the BIFF-Karilan group, marking another significant step in the government’s ongoing peace and security campaign in the region.
During the ceremony, the former rebels turned over several high-powered weapons, including two rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), one sniper rifle, a 60-millimeter mortar, and three anti-personnel ammunitions. Authorities said the surrender of these firearms and explosives demonstrates the sincerity of the former combatants’ decision to abandon armed struggle and reintegrate into mainstream society.
The activity was led by George Bagundol Jr., Provincial Director of Maguindanao del Norte, and Esmael Madin, Chief of Police of Sultan Kudarat, in coordination with local government officials headed by Mayor Datu Shameem Mastura.
Officials from the local government and law enforcement agencies emphasized that the program is part of a broader strategy to weaken armed groups through peaceful means, community engagement, and socio-economic support.
As part of the government’s reintegration and assistance program, each of the former BIFF members received 25 kilograms of rice and cash assistance from Mayor Mastura and the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government – BARMM. The support aims to help them rebuild their lives and discourage any return to armed activities.
Authorities noted that beyond financial aid, the surrenderers will also be linked to livelihood and social programs to help them become productive members of their communities.
“This surrender reflects the effectiveness of our peace-building initiatives and the growing trust between communities and the government,” officials said in a statement. “We remain committed to providing former combatants with opportunities for a peaceful and dignified life.”
Local leaders expressed hope that the latest surrender will encourage more members of armed groups to lay down their weapons and choose the path of peace.
The government continues to urge remaining armed individuals to surrender and avail themselves of reintegration programs, stressing that lasting peace and development in Maguindanao and the wider Bangsamoro region can only be achieved through unity, dialogue, and cooperation.