Kalinaw News: BIFF sub-leader, members lay down arms in Maguindanao

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 19, 2021): BIFF sub-leader, members lay down arms in Maguindanao

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – December 19, 2021

Following a massive surrender of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighter combatants on December 17, 2021, another BIFF Field Commander and 10 of his followers laid down their arms and returned to the folds of the law in Barangay Kamasi, Ampatuan, Maguindanao on December 18, 2021.

“Alias OB10, the 2nd Division Field Commander of the BIFF-Bungos Faction, and his cohorts handed over their firearms to the government forces Saturday afternoon. They were subsequently presented to Col. Pedro Balisi, Jr., Commander of 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade; Datu Piang Mayor Victor Samama, and Datu Anggal Midtimbang Mayor Nathaniel Midtimbang,” Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr., Commander of Western Mindanao Command said.

Col. Balisi, Jr. said the surrender of the 11 BIFF personalities is a result of the collaborative efforts of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion led by Lt. Col. Samuel Nadala Jr., 6th Infantry Battalion led by Lt. Col. Charlie Banaag, Police Regional Office-BAR, and Maguindanao Provincial Police Office.

Surrendered personalities handed over two 5.56mm M16 rifles, one 7.62mm M14 rifle, one Springfield rifle, two Garand rifles, two locally-made RPGs, and two locally-made Barret Sniper rifles.

Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, Commander of Joint Task Force Central commended the efforts of the security forces. “The synergy between the security forces is tantamount to our advantage in fighting against local terrorists in this part of the region. We can successfully thwart the enemies’ ploys through our strong collaboration and cooperation. Rest assured the JTF Central will continue to strengthen our relationship with the police and the LGUs and will never stop hunting down the enemies of the state to ensure the safety of our people,” the two-star general said.

Since January 2021, JTF Central has reported a total of 251 neutralizations of which 86 were killed, 162 surrendered, and three were apprehended.

“This significant breakthrough exemplifies that the government forces continue to gain ground in the campaign against terrorism. Rest assured that we will never falter until lasting peace is attained in Central Mindanao and the entire operational area of the Western Mindanao Command. I also enjoin everyone to be with us in this quest,” Lt. Gen. Rosario, Jr. stated.

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