Kalinaw News: Massive surrender of members manifests terror groups’ downfall, says WMC Chief

Posted to Kalinaw News (Mar 19, 2022): Massive surrender of members manifests terror groups’ downfall, says WMC Chief



Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – March 19, 2022

A total of 39 members of the local terrorist groups operating in Central Mindanao laid down their arms and returned to the folds of the law on March 18, 2022. Of the 39, 21 were from the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters-Bungos Faction, 12 from the BIFF-Karialan Faction, and six from the Daulah Islamiyah-Turaife Group.

Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, Commander of Joint Task Force Central said the massive surrender of local terrorists was facilitated by the 601st Infantry Brigade led by Col. Oriel Pangcog; 6th Infantry Battalion led by Lt. Col. Charlie Banaag; the 4th Brigade, Field Guard, Base Command National Guard Front, MILF-BIAF led by Datu Rhenz Tukuran.

The former violent extremists handed over a total of 37 firearms including three 5.56mm M16A1 rifles, three cal. 30 M1 Garand rifles, two 7.62mm M14 rifles, two cal. 30 converted to M14 rifles, one 5.56mm M653 Carbine, three 5.56mm rifles, eleven 7.62mm Sniper rifles, two cal. 50 Barrett Sniper rifles, two rocket-propelled grenade Lauchers, four 40mm M79 grenade launchers, two 60mm mortar, one cal. 30 Bolt Action rifle, one cal. 30 Carbine , four rocket-propelled grenade high explosive ammunition, one 105mm projectile, one rocket warhead, one 2.75 inch rocket warhead, three Sidik RPG, five rounds 40mm HE AVACOR cartridges, and five improvised explosive devices.

Surrendered personalities were presented to Maj. Gen. Uy and Maguindanao Governor Bai Mariam Mangudadatu who was represented by AGILA-HAVEN Focal Person Roger Dionisio.

Maj. Gen. Uy revealed that among the surrendered personalities are field commanders and high-ranking officers of the three local terrorist groups mentioned. “We are happy that they finally decided to come out and surrender together with their followers. They will receive livelihood assistance to be catered by the AGILA-HAVEN program of the province of Maguindanao,” the JTF Commander added.

“I commend the troops of Joint Task Force Central led by Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy for this laudable accomplishment. We also attribute this success to our partners, the local chief executives, and our stakeholders,” Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr., Commander of Western Mindanao Command said.

“This massive surrender of former combatants proves that we are winning the war against terrorism and insurgency in our area of operation. If this will continue, we will soon be able to dismantle the terror groups and put an end to the threats posed by these menaces of society. All of us are hoping that those who are still hiding will decide to surrender and join us as we walk the path towards peace and development here in Mindanao,” the WestMinCom Commander added.

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https://www.kalinawnews.com/massive-surrender-of-members-manifests-terror-groups-downfall-says-wmc-chief/