The end is near for BIFF – military

From the Manila Times (Sep 6, 2021): The end is near for BIFF – military (By Julmunir Jannaral)

A surge in the surrender of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) continues amid the military's efforts to dismantle different threat groups in southern Mindanao, particularly in Maguindanao province, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said on Sunday.

The BIFF swears allegiance to the Islamic State.

Through the efforts of the Sixth Mechanized Infantry Battalion (6th MIB) and First Brigade Combat Team (1st BCT), according to Maj. Alfie Alonzo, public information officer of the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom), four more members of the BIFF-Karialan Faction (KF) surrendered to the military in Maguindanao on September 1.

Alonzo identified them as alias Dauto, 20 years of age, single and a resident of Barangay Tapikan, Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao; alias Nas, 44, single and a resident of Sitio Damalibi, Satan, same municipality; alias George, single and a resident of Damalibi, Ampatuan, Maguindanao; and alias Rasul, 42, married and a resident of Mudseng, Midsayap, North Cotabato.

He said the four surrenderers handed over one 7.62mm sniper rifle, one 5.56mm Ultimax submachine gun, one cal. 50 Barrett with one empty magazine and one 7.62mm sniper rifle, according to Lt. Col. Ferdinand dela Cruz, commander of the 6th MIB.

READ: BIFF commander, 6 followers surrender

The four were then formally presented to Brig. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio, commander of the 1st BCT; Ampatuan Mayor Baileah Sangki; and Anwar Emblawa, municipal administrator of Shariff Aguak at the 1st BCT headquarters, Old Capitol, Satan, Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao.

According to Patrimonio, the surrenderers are currently undergoing custodial debriefing.

"We already coordinated with Agila Haven for their livelihood assistance," he said.

Last month, a total of 59 members of the BIFF-KF surrendered in the Maguindanao area.

READ: BIFF commander, 10 followers surrender

Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, commander of Joint Task Force Central (JTFC), said the AFP will assist in processing of benefits the former violent extremists will receive under the Agila Haven program of the province of Maguindanao.

Maj. Gen. Generoso Ponio, acting commander of the WestMinCom, lauded troops of the JTFC for their persistent efforts to end terrorism and dismantle the terror groups in their area of operation.

"Our substantial gains speak of our successful campaigns and inter-agency collaboration and cooperation. Let us sustain this so our ultimate goal will soon be achieved," he said.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/09/06/news/regions/the-end-is-near-for-biff-military/1813714