MAMASAPANO, Maguindanao del Sur — Three individuals linked to extremist groups operating in the Bangsamoro region voluntarily surrendered to government authorities during a coordinated operation led by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on March 14, 2026.
In a statement, the NBI said the surrender was facilitated by operatives of the NBI–Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (NBI-BARMM) with support from the NBI Central Mindanao Regional Office (NBI-CEMRO), NBI-Sarangani District Office (NBI-SARDO), and the NBI Counter Terrorism Division (NBI-CTD), in coordination with partner security units.
Authorities said the three individuals were reportedly members of the Karialan faction of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and Dawlah Islamiyah (DI) operating in Mamasapano.
Secure channel for surrender
According to intelligence information received by authorities, the three individuals had expressed their intention to disengage from armed activities and return to civilian life.
However, the group sought a secure and neutral channel for their surrender due to fears of possible retaliation from remaining BIFF and DI members in the area.
Acting on the information, government operatives carried out a protective extraction operation to ensure the safety of both the surrendering individuals and the operating personnel.
The operation was successfully completed without any untoward incident, the NBI said.
High-powered weapons surrendered
During the surrender, the three individuals also turned over several firearms and weapons believed to have been used in armed activities.
Among the weapons surrendered were:
- One Barrett Rifle (.50 caliber)
- One M79 grenade launcher
- One M203 grenade launcher tube
- One Mosin rifle with magazine
- Two rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition
Authorities described the recovery of the high-powered weapons as a significant development in ongoing efforts to weaken extremist capabilities in the area.
Processing and reintegration
Following the operation, the surrendered individuals were transported to a secure government facility where they underwent documentation, initial debriefing, and security processing.
Officials said the process will determine the appropriate steps for their possible reintegration into society under existing government programs for former combatants.
NBI chief praises operation
NBI Director Atty. Melvin D. Matibag commended the operating units for the successful and peaceful outcome of the mission.
“This successful surrender demonstrates that even those who have once taken the path of armed extremism can still choose peace,” Matibag said.
“The National Bureau of Investigation remains committed to supporting government efforts that provide safe and lawful avenues for individuals who wish to abandon violence and reintegrate into society,” he added.
Matibag also emphasized the importance of continued cooperation among security agencies and local communities in sustaining peace and stability in the Bangsamoro region.
Authorities said they will continue to encourage members of armed groups who wish to abandon violent activities to avail themselves of government mechanisms that ensure their safety while transitioning back to peaceful civilian life.