Members of Moro extremists in Maguindanao del Sur pledge allegiance to the Philippine government after their surrender to police authorities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. (Photos courtesy of PRO-BARMM)
COTABATO CITY — Police authorities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) welcomed on Thursday 32 local extremists, who yielded with their firearms in the hope of availing themselves of the government program for those who turned away from extremism.
Brigadier General John Guyguyon, BARMM police director, welcomed the extremists during surrender rites at the police regional headquarters in Camp SK Pendatun, Parang, Maguindanao del Norte.
He said 30 Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), and 2 Dawlah Islamiya-listed private armed groups under Mohammad Andoy turned in 33 high-powered firearms, including improvised explosive devices, hand grenades, eight .50 sniper rifles, and two 60mmm mortar tubes.
Guyguyon said the 30 BIFF members under the factions of Commander Kagi Karialan and Commander Bungos were operating in Maguindanao del Sur and the neighboring municipalities of Sultan Kudarat and Cotabato provinces.
The two, from DI-listed armed groups, were operating in Barangay Kudal of Pagalungan, town, Maguindanao del Sur.
“The police office is preparing their re-integration, and return to their families and be a productive part of society,” said Guyguyon, expressing gratitude for the support by Maguindanao del Sur officials led by Gov. Bai Mariam Mangudadatu.
He also lauded the troops for the success of this operation and their contribution to lasting peace in the Bangsamoro region.
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