8 BIFF fighters surrender in Maguindanao

MANILA, Philippines — Eight members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) surrendered in Maguindanao, the Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said on Saturday.

The unidentified BIFF members turned themselves in to troops operating in Barangay (village) Zapakan, in the municipality of Rajah Buayan on Friday.

“Their identities are not disclosed for their safety,” the Wesmincom said in a statement.

Wesmincom said the former BIFF fighters were subsequently received by Lt. Col. Benjamin Cadiente, Jr., the commanding officer of the 33rd Infantry Battalion (33IB).

The former BIFF fighters handed over their firearms to the authorities, including four M1 Garand rifles, one M203 grenade launcher, one M79 grenade launcher, a Mosin-Nagant rifle, a caliber 45 pistol, and assorted ammunition.

Currently, the former BIFF fighters and their firearms are in the custody of the 33IB for proper disposition and safekeeping.

Wesmincom added that the former BIFF fighters will be enrolled in the government’s reintegration program. — Christian Paul Dela Cruz, INQUIRER.net trainee

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