BIFF member yields to Army in Maguindanao
TIRED. A bomb-maker of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, identified only as “Alias Rosbil,” (center) surrendered to the military with his Ultimax light machine gun. (Army photo)
COTABATO CITY—Saying he was tired of fighting a lost cause, a bomb maker of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) surrendered Friday and turned in his machine gun to military authorities in Maguindanao.
The Army withheld the bomb maker’s identity to spare him from possible retaliation from his former comrades in the BIFF.
Lieutenant Colonel Ferdinand de la Cruz, commander of the Army’s 6th Mechanized Infantry Battalion, identified the ex-BIFF member only as “Alias Rosbil.”
Dela Cruz said Rosbil turned in his Ultimax 100 5.56mm light machine gun.
Dela Cruz then presented Rosbil to Lieutenant Colonel Johnny Bayog, Chief of Staff of the 1st Brigade Combat Team at the Army Command Post of the 6th Mechanized Battalion in Barangay Pigcalagan, Sultan Kudarat town, Maguindanao.
Sultan Banjo Mampon, Sultan Kudarat administrator, and other local officials witnessed the turnover.
Mampon said the local government would provide financial assistance to Rosbil in support of the military’s Balik Baril program.
Dela Cruz said Rosbil would undergo documentation, so he could be cleared and enrolled in the government’s integration program.
Major General Roy Galido, commander of the 6th Infantry Division, lauded the 6th Mechanized Battalion and the Sultan Kudarat local government for promoting reconciliation with state enemies.
In a statement, Lieutenant General Alfredo Rosario, Jr., Western Mindanao Command chief, attributed the success of the military’s anti-terrorism campaign to the support of local governments and civil society.
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