CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao del Norte – The 601st Infantry (Unifier) Brigade of the Philippine Army has intensified its campaign to encourage members of local terrorist groups to surrender peacefully, launching another round of information dissemination operations across Maguindanao del Sur as part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ continuing peace and security efforts.
On June 29, 2026, troops from the 601st Infantry Brigade, operating under the 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division, distributed information leaflets in various communities throughout Maguindanao del Sur. The campaign aims to reach remaining members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and Dawlah Islamiyah, urging them to abandon armed struggle, surrender to government authorities, and reintegrate into society.
Brigadier General Edgar L. Catu, Commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade, said the information dissemination campaign forms part of the military’s broader strategy to promote lasting peace and stability in the province through peaceful means rather than armed confrontation.
According to Catu, the campaign encourages not only active members of local terrorist organizations to return to the fold of the law but also civilians who possess unlicensed firearms to voluntarily surrender their weapons. He emphasized that doing so would help prevent further violence while giving individuals the opportunity to rebuild their lives and reunite with their families.
“The government’s door remains open to those who sincerely wish to change their lives and become productive members of society,” Catu stressed, adding that surrendering combatants can avail themselves of government assistance and reintegration programs designed to support their transition back into civilian life.
The brigade commander cited the effectiveness of previous information dissemination efforts, noting that an earlier campaign resulted in the surrender of a member of a local terrorist group in the municipality of Mamasapano on January 18, 2026. The former rebel also turned over an M16 rifle and has since been given the opportunity to start a new life under government reintegration initiatives.
Military officials believe such successes demonstrate that information campaigns, coupled with government intervention programs, can serve as effective tools in weakening the influence of armed extremist groups while reducing the likelihood of armed encounters.
Meanwhile, Major General Jose Vladimir R. Cagara, Commander of Joint Task Force Central and the 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division, underscored the importance of the leaflet distribution campaign in advancing the military’s long-term peace agenda across Central Mindanao.
Cagara described the initiative as a peaceful and proactive approach to communicating the government’s message to individuals who may still be involved with armed groups but are considering returning to lawful society.
He reiterated that the 6th Infantry Division remains committed to helping former members of local terrorist organizations rebuild their lives, assuring them that government agencies stand ready to assist them and their families throughout the reintegration process.
The latest campaign reflects the Philippine Army’s continuing efforts to complement its security operations with community engagement and peace-building initiatives, reinforcing the government’s commitment to ending insurgency and violent extremism through a combination of law enforcement, dialogue, and rehabilitation programs.
Military officials expressed hope that the renewed information dissemination drive would encourage more members of armed groups to lay down their weapons voluntarily, ultimately contributing to sustained peace, public safety, and development in Maguindanao del Sur and the rest of Central Mindanao.