DATU PIANG, Maguindanao del Sur — Thirteen members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF)–Bungos Faction voluntarily surrendered to government forces on Friday, bringing with them high-powered firearms and signaling a continuing push toward peace in conflict-affected communities in the province.
The surrender took place at the headquarters of the 38th Infantry Battalion under the command of Lt. Col. Erwin E. Felongco. The former combatants were immediately presented during a “Presentation of Former Violent Extremists” ceremony to 601st Infantry Brigade Commander Brig. Gen. Edgar L. Catu.
Military officials said the group turned over a cache of weapons, including two 81mm mortars, two 60mm mortars, an M79 grenade launcher, a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG), a 7.62mm sniper rifle, three 9mm Uzi submachine guns, a hand grenade, and several magazines. Earlier reports also noted that at least ten firearms were surrendered during the process.
Of the 13 individuals, seven came from the municipality of Shariff Saydona Mustapha, while two each were from Mamasapano, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, and Shariff Aguak.
The surrenderers cited their desire to live peaceful lives without fear as the primary reason for laying down their arms. Authorities said the move reflects growing community support for non-violent resolutions to long-standing conflicts in the Bangsamoro region.
During the ceremony, the former rebels received initial assistance packages, including rice, food packs, and cash aid, provided by local government units and various Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) agencies. These included the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD), Ministry of Public Order and Safety (MPOS), and Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG), along with support from Members of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Parliament.
They are also set to be enrolled in the MILG’s TUGON Program, which aims to facilitate the reintegration of former violent extremists into mainstream society through livelihood, psychosocial, and community-based support.
The event was attended by representatives from the Philippine National Police, including the Sultan sa Barongis Municipal Police Station, as well as officials from local government units in Sultan sa Barongis, Datu Salibo, Mamasapano, and Shariff Aguak.
Brig. Gen. Catu commended the coordinated efforts of the military, police, local governments, and communities that led to the successful surrender.
“This development highlights the strength of unity and cooperation. We encourage others to follow this path toward achieving a more peaceful and secure community,” Catu said.
Meanwhile, Major General Jose Vladimir R. Cagara, Commander of the 6th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Central, expressed full support for the initiative, emphasizing its significance in sustaining peace efforts in the region.
“The voluntary surrender is proof of the community’s desire to resolve conflict through peaceful means and strengthens trust between the people and the government,” Cagara said.
The military continues to call on remaining armed group members to abandon violence and take advantage of government programs aimed at rebuilding lives and fostering long-term peace in Mindanao.