6 BIFF members avail of gov’t amnesty program

From the Philippine News Agency (May 5. 2021): 6 BIFF members avail of gov’t amnesty program (By Edwin Fernandez)

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. Six members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters took their vow of commitment to the government before the Army’s 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade in Ampatuan, Maguindanao on Wednesday (May 5, 2021). The surrenderers also turned over four high-power firearms. (Photo courtesy of 6ID)

More armed members of the lawless Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Maguindanao opted to surrender to live normal lives, the military here said Wednesday.

At least six BIFF combatants whose names were withheld for security reasons turned over their rifles to the Army’s 1st Mechanized Brigade (1MBde) in Barangay Kamasi, Ampatuan, Maguindanao at 10 a.m. Wednesday.

Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, commander of the 6th Infantry Division (6ID), lauded Col. Pedro Balisi Jr., the commanding officer of 1MBde for helping convince the BIFF batch to take the path to peace.

Uy also acknowledged Mayors Mamatanto M. Mamantal and Datu Ali Pax Sangki-Mangudadatu of Sultan sa Barongis and Datu Abdullah Sangki towns, respectively, for assisting the military's peace initiatives in the area.

“The success stories of their colleagues who earlier surrendered and now reintegrated to the mainstream prompted the six BIFF (members) to follow suit,” Uy said of the six former extremists.

One of the BIFF members told reporters that living conditions inside the armed group were difficult.

“Life is hard, we need to be with our loved ones peacefully and no longer outlawed,” the surrenderer said.

Since 2017, more than 300 BIFF gunmen have surrendered in batches to various units of the 6ID.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1139195