Surrender of 12 combatants signals downfall of BIFF –Army

Posted to GMA News Online (Dec 18, 2021): Surrender of 12 combatants signals downfall of BIFF –Army

The military claimed Saturday that the surrender of 12 Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) combatants is another major setback to the renegade group.

In a press release, the 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division of the Philippine Army said that the 12 BIFF members had surrendered to local government leaders of Datu Salibo, Maguindanao and Joint Task Force Central (JTF Central) forces and were presented at the Headquarters of the 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade, Barangay Kamasi, Ampatuan, Maguindanao on the morning of December 17, 2021.

Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, commander of Joint Task Force Central and the 6th ID, disclosed that the surrender of the 12 combatants was realized through the joint efforts of the community and Local Government Unit of Datu Salibo, Maguindanao; military forces coming from the 1st Mechanized Battalion and 6th Infantry Battalion; and police forces coming from PPO-Maguindanao and PRO-BARMM.

“The 12 former BIFF combatants belong to Bungos-Faction who likewise turned over 10 high-powered firearms which includes one (1) Cal .50 Machine Gun, one (1) 5.56mm M16 Ultimax Rifle, our (4) 7.62mm M14 Rifles, one (1) Mauser Sniper Rifle, and three (3) 7.62mm Sniper Rifles,” said Col. Pedro Balisi, Commander of 1st Mechized Brigade .

The former BIFF combatants are set to receive livelihood assistance and packages based on their based their respective needs as part of the AGILA-HAVEN Program of Maguindanao Province.

For this year alone, the program has catered to almost 300 former BIFF and Daulah Islamiya members who have decided to return to the folds of the law in Maguindanao Province.

“Our efforts along with the community and the LGU prove to be effective, as influx of surrenders has been recorded in Maguindanao. The AGILA-HAVEN Program and the relentless focused military operation of the JTF Central forces gave these former BIFF and DI members the realization that peace is a better option together with their families,” stressed by Maj. Gen. Uy while continuing the call to the remaining BIFF and DI members who are still in hiding to surrender and lay down their arms.

The 12 former BIFF combatants are under the custody of JTF Central for de-briefing and processing of their JAPIC prior to being enrolled under the AGILA-HAVEN Program. —LBG, GMA News

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