SHARIFF AGUAK, MAGUINDANAO DEL SUR — Five individuals affiliated with the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF)–Karialan Faction, identified as non-PSR, voluntarily surrendered to authorities in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur, on October 7, in a development police said could help strengthen peace and security efforts in the province.
The surrender, which took place at about 1:30 p.m. at the Shariff Aguak Municipal Police Station in Barangay Mother Poblacion, also resulted in the turnover of two homemade rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs).
The operation was led by the Shariff Aguak MPS under the direction of PMAJ Joel S. Lebrilla, Acting Chief of Police, in coordination with various police, military and intelligence units.
Authorities said the accomplishment stemmed from a Target Intelligence Packet (TIP) prepared by the Police Intelligence Team (PIT) of Maguindanao del Sur and the Regional Intelligence Unit 15 (RIU15). The intelligence information was subsequently disseminated to the Shariff Aguak MPS and partner units for appropriate action.
The coordinated effort involved the Shariff Aguak MPS as lead unit, RIU15, Regional Intelligence Division of Police Regional Office–Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (RID PRO BAR), Police Intelligence Unit of the Maguindanao del Sur Provincial Police Office (PIU MDS PPO), 1402nd Regional Mobile Company, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 14-A, 43rd Special Action Company, 4th Special Action Battalion, Special Action Force, 1st Mobile Platoon, Provincial Mobile Force Company, and the 34th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army.
Police said the five individuals voluntarily surrendered the two homemade RPGs as part of their decision to disengage from armed activities and pursue peaceful reintegration into their communities.
Their decision was reportedly influenced by declining morale, disillusionment over the motives of their commanders, and their desire to return to a peaceful way of life, according to authorities.
The development is significant not only because of the recovery of improvised weapons but also because of the potential to prevent future violence by encouraging individuals previously involved in armed activities to abandon their weapons and return to civilian life.
The surrender was witnessed by Shariff Aguak Vice Mayor Mohamad Akmad Ampatuan Jr., barangay captains and members of the media, reflecting the involvement of local officials and community leaders in efforts to support peaceful disengagement and reintegration.
Following the activity, the five surrenderees were placed under the custody of PIT Maguindanao del Sur for reprocessing and debriefing. The two surrendered homemade RPGs, meanwhile, were turned over to RIU15 for documentation and proper disposition.
Authorities described the accomplishment as more than an intelligence-driven recovery of weapons, emphasizing its broader implications for community safety and peacebuilding.
The voluntary surrender of the five individuals removes potential armed actors from the conflict environment while placing them on a possible path toward reintegration into their communities. The turnover of the homemade RPGs likewise prevents the weapons from potentially being used in future attacks or armed confrontations.
Police said the operation demonstrates the continuing importance of intelligence gathering, inter-agency coordination and engagement with local communities in addressing armed threats in Maguindanao del Sur.
For Shariff Aguak MPS and its partner agencies, the objective extends beyond arrests and weapons seizures. Authorities said sustained efforts to convince individuals involved in armed groups to abandon violence and pursue peaceful reintegration remain an important component of maintaining long-term peace and security in the province.
The latest surrender also underscores the role of local leaders and communities in creating conditions where former armed-group members can disengage from violence and begin the process of returning to civilian life.
With continued intelligence-led operations, coordinated security efforts and community support, authorities said they remain committed to protecting lives, preventing violence and contributing to a safer and more peaceful Maguindanao del Sur.