Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City - Twelve Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), including a sub-leader and his deputy, decided to abandon their armed struggle and return to the fold of the law in Maguindanao on March 30, 2022.
According to Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario Jr., Commander of the AFP's Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM), Anwar Pegas, a sub-leader of the BIFF-Karialan Faction; Zukarno Sailila, his deputy; and 10 of their followers voluntarily surrendered to Lt. Col. Edwin Alburo, Commanding Officer of the 40th Infantry Battalion (40IB) at 40IB headquarters in Barangay Kabengi, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao.
The former violent extremists also turned over two 7.62mm M14 rifles, two 5.56mm M16A1, one Carbine, two cal. 50 Barret Sniper rifles, two 9mm submachine guns, one 40mm Rocket Propelled Grenade Launcher, two M79 Grenade Launchers, and one 40mm high explosive RPG ammunition.
"The surrender is a result of the joint efforts of the Philippine Army's 601st Infantry Brigade and 40IB under the Joint Task Force Central, Maguindanao Provincial Police Office, Ampatuan Municipal Police Station, and the local government of Ampatuan, Maguindanao," Lt. Gen. Rosario said.
According to Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, Commander of Joint Task Force Central, responsible for the AFP's security operations in Central Mindanao, the influx of surrenders manifests the continuous dwindling of the terrorist groups in Central Mindanao. "We are optimistic that these groups, including the BIFF-Karialan Faction, are nearing its end," the JTF commander said.
For the first quarter of 2022, JTF Central has reported 97 BIFF surrenders in their area of operation. This also yielded the recovery of 90 high-powered and low-powered firearms.
AFP Chief of Staff General Andres Centino congratulates the units involved in this latest feat against the local terrorist groups in Mindanao. He underscored the importance of significantly reducing the threat group's manpower to ensure a secure, accurate, and free election in May.
"Continue to pursue these threat groups through focused military operations while providing an avenue for a peaceful return to those willing to lay down their arms. We need to eradicate them or significantly reduce their strength to ensure the incoming election's success in May. It is our duty to protect our people's sacred right to vote without fear and intimidation," Gen. Centino emphasized. /// (Photo from WESTMINCOM)
