CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – Three more rebels from the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) have surrendered to Army’s 7th Infantry Battalion at BrgyLadtingan, Pikit, NorthCotabato this morning (March 20).
The surrender was a result of the continuing effort of the unit to convince the members of the terror group to return to the fold of law with the help of barangay chairmen of Kabasalan, Bualan, and Bulol of Pikit town and the former rebels who also surrendered to the unit.
The BIFF former rebels were identified to belong under Karialan faction and they brought along with them were one homemade caliber .50 rifle, one rocket propelled grenade, and homemade M79 grenade launcher.
“We were struggling and really exhausted trying to run away from the persisting military operation,” one of the rebels said.
“We want to live peacefully together with our families,” the rebel added.
Lt. Col. Romel Valencia, Commanding Officer of 7th IB, said that the rebels felt the sincerity of the government where the former rebels have enjoyed the livelihood support provided by the Province of North Cotabato and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
“They were made to believe that they were fighting for the sake of their religion, which is wrong ideology taught in their group,” Lt. Col. Valencia added.
The Commander of Joint Task Force Central, Maj. Gen. Diosdado C. Carreon, lauded the efforts of 7th IB in convincing the other members of the terror group to surrender.
“The false ideologies of these rebels will lead them nowhere so I encourage the remaining members of the terror group to surrender to the government and enjoy the benefits of living peacefully with your families and the livelihood opportunities provided by the government,” the Commander stressed.
The BIFF rebels are currently under the custody of 7th IB and they are currently undergoing psychological debriefing.
[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]
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