KIDAPAWAN CITY, COTABATO — An intelligence-driven operation by government security forces resulted in the voluntary surrender of a suspected member of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters–Bungos Faction (BIFF-BF) and the turnover of a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) launcher and ammunition in Kidapawan City on August 25, 2026.
The operation, conducted at about 1:30 p.m. at the PSMU Building inside the Cotabato Police Provincial Office (CPPO) Compound in Barangay Amas, was carried out through the coordinated efforts of several intelligence and police units.
Authorities identified the surrendering individual only as alias “Dats,” who was listed as a member of the BIFF-BF.
The operation involved personnel from the Central Mindanao Team (CMT) of the Counter Terrorism Division of the PNP-Intelligence Group, the Police Intelligence Units of the Banisilan Municipal Police Station and Kabacan Municipal Police Station under the CPPO, Tracker Team Echo of the Regional Intelligence Division 12, Police Intelligence Team North Cotabato of Regional Intelligence Unit 12, the CPECU, and Regional Intelligence Unit 15.
According to authorities, Dats voluntarily surrendered to government forces and simultaneously turned over one RPG launcher and one cartridge of an RPG anti-tank round.
The surrender of the weapon and ammunition effectively removed potentially dangerous ordnance from possible use in armed activities, helping reduce the threat posed by illegal armed groups and unauthorized possession of explosive ordnance in communities.
Following his surrender, Dats was placed under the custody of the Central Mindanao Team, Counter Terrorism Division of the PNP-Intelligence Group for custodial debriefing and appropriate documentation.
Authorities said the debriefing and documentation process would form part of the government’s continuing efforts to gather information and assess security concerns involving armed groups operating in the region.
The surrendered RPG launcher and ammunition, meanwhile, were turned over to the CPECU for proper handling, assessment, and disposition in accordance with established procedures for explosive ordnance and related materials.
The development highlights the continuing role of intelligence-led operations in encouraging individuals affiliated with armed groups to disengage from violence while simultaneously removing firearms and explosive weapons from circulation.
Police Regional Office 12 Regional Director PBGen Alan B. Manibog stressed that the campaign would continue to combine security operations with opportunities for individuals who choose to abandon armed violence.
“Patuloy nating paiigtingin ang ating intelligence operations, kasabay ng pagbibigay ng pagkakataon sa mga nais talikuran ang karahasan at piliin ang mapayapa at makatarungang landas,” Manibog said.
The police official’s statement underscored the government’s dual approach of maintaining pressure against armed and security threats while providing avenues for individuals who decide to surrender and pursue a peaceful path.
Authorities continue to monitor security developments in North Cotabato and surrounding areas as part of broader efforts to prevent armed violence, disrupt the movement of illegal weapons, and maintain peace and public safety.