3 BIFF members surrender in Maguindanao

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao, Philippines – The military here announced the surrender of three members of outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) who also turned in high-powered firearms to the Army.

Lt. Col. Jonathan Pondadera, commander of the 57th Infantry Battalion, said the three surrenderers, whose identities were withheld for the safety of their families, were part of the BIFF-Bungos Faction, the most radical among the three BIFF factions.

Pondadera said the Army accepted the surrender of the three fighters in the Army headquarters in Sitio Iking, Barangay Romongaob, South Upi, Maguindanao on Sunday.

Col. Eduardo Gubat, 603rd Infantry Brigade commander, said the trio surrendered one M1 Garand rifle, a Carbine rifle, and a .45-caliber pistol with magazines and ammunition.

“It is certain that the government’s peace program has been effective in influencing (these former BIFF members) to denounce their affiliation with the terror group,” Gubat said.

“Our efforts in attaining peace in this part of the country are fruitful as evidenced by the significant increase in the number of terrorist group members who surrendered to the government,” said Major General Juvymax Uy, 6th Infantry Division commander and commander of Joint Task Force Central.

Almost a hundred former BIFF and Dawlah Islamiya members have surrendered in areas covered under the 6th IDs area of operation that included the provinces of Maguindanao, Cotabato province, Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato, and part of Sarangani.

The Maguindanao provincial government has been extending aid to former extremist groups to reintegrate them into mainstream society and become productive citizens of the land.

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