15 former terrorists yield to Army in Maguindanao del Sur

Brig. Gen. Edgar Catu, commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade, checks on the rifle turned in by one of the 15 former members of a local terrorist group during the surrender rites in Maguindanao del Sur on Friday, June 19, 2026. (Photo from 601st Infantry Brigade)

COTABATO CITY – Some 15 members of a local terrorist group in Maguindanao del Sur surrendered, along with their weapons, to the Army’s 90th Infantry Battalion in Datu Saudi Ampatuan town on Friday morning, June 19.

Lt. Col. Loqui O. Marco, 90th Infantry Battalion commander, presented the returnees to Brig. Gen. Edgar Catu, commander of the Army’s 601st Infantry Brigade, during the surrender rites inside the battalion headquarters in Barangay Kabengi, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur.

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Marco said the surrender ceremonies are part of the government’s continuing campaign for peace and development in the region.

Under the ‘Balik-Loob Program’ of the government, six Local Government Units (LGUs) and Municipal Police Stations (MPS) within the 90th IB area of operations supported the campaign.

These are the town governments of Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Datu Hoffer, Shariff Aguak, Ampatuan, Datu Unsay and Datu Abdullah Sangki, and the provincial government of Maguindanao del Sur.

Marco said among the surrendered war materiel were various high-powered firearms and explosives, including rifles, shotguns, grenade launchers, an Uzi submachine gun and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

Catu emphasized the importance of sustained cooperation among government agencies in achieving lasting peace in the region.

“The voluntary surrender of fifteen former members of an armed group is clear proof that our collective efforts for peace are yielding positive results,” Catu said.

He vowed to continue to strengthen coordination with local government units, the PNP, Bangsamoro Region, and other partner agencies “to finally end armed conflict and achieve lasting peace and development in Maguindanao del Sur and throughout the region.”

Major General Jose Vladimir R. Cagara, commander of the 6th Infantry Division, said: “We continue to encourage other misguided individuals to choose the path of peace and take advantage of the government programs available to help them start anew with their families.”

He said the surrender of these former armed group members reflects the continuing success of the government’s peace initiatives and counterinsurgency programs. /jpv