14 BIFF members surrender, yield 39 firearms in Maguindanao del Sur
Brig. Gen. Edgar Catu (center), 601st Infantry Brigade commander, checks one of the rifles as a former BIFF member and other local officials and military personnel look on during surrender rites in Datu Piang, Maguindanao del Sur, on Sunday, June 21, 2026. 601st Infantry Brigade photo
CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao del Norte — Fourteen members of the Islamic State-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) have surrendered to government authorities, turning over 39 loose firearms, including two 60 mm mortar tubes, in Maguindanao del Sur on Sunday, June 21.
The turnover ceremony was held at the headquarters of the 38th Infantry Battalion (38IB) in Barangay Buayan, Datu Piang, where the firearms were formally presented to Brig. Gen. Edgar Catu, commander of the Army’s 601st Infantry Brigade.
Lt. Col. Erwin Felongco, 38th IB commanding officer, presented the firearms to Catu as part of the government’s continuing campaign against terrorism and illegal possession of firearms.
Catu said the surrender of the BIFF members and their turnover of loose firearms reflect the growing support of communities for the government’s peace-building initiatives.
“The true measure of courage is found in the decision to return to the fold of the government and abandon the path of violence,” Catu said.
“We are tired of running away from pursuing government troops. We decided to come out and be with our families anytime, all the time,” one of the surrenderers said in the vernacular.
READ: 11 BIFF rebels surrender, yield weapons in Maguindanao del Sur
The local government units (LGUs) provided them with initial livelihood assistance, including food supplies, as they rejoin their respective families.
Maj. Gen. Vladimir Cagara, commander of the 6th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Central, lauded the collective efforts of the military, police, LGUs, and community members in the fight against terrorism and the proliferation of loose firearms.
He urged other members of Islamic extremist groups still on the run to surrender and take advantage of the government’s reintegration programs, including the Balik-Baril (Return Firearms) Program, which provides cash and livelihood assistance to beneficiaries. /mcm
