12 pro-IS fighters surrender in South

From the Manila Times (Apr 1, 2022): 12 pro-IS fighters surrender in South (By Julmunir Jannaral)

COTABATO CITY: Twelve members, including a sub-leader and a deputy leader, of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) decided to abandon their armed struggle and return to the fold of the law in Maguindanao on Wednesday morning, March 30.

"Based on the report from the ground, Anwar Pegas, a sub-leader of the BIFF-Karialan Faction; Zukarno Sailila, his deputy; and 10 of their followers voluntarily surrendered to Lt. Col. Edwin Alburo, commanding officer of the 40th Infantry Battalion (40IB)," Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario Jr., commander of Western Mindanao Command, said.

The former violent extremists handed over their firearms to Alburo at the 40IB headquarters in Barangay Kabengi, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao.

The firearms included two 7.62mm M14 rifles, two 5.56mm M16A1, one carbine, two cal. 50 Barrett sniper rifles, two 9mm submachine guns, one 40mm rocket-propelled grenade launcher, two M79 grenade launchers and one 40mm high explosive RPG ammunition.

Col. Oriel Pangcog, commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade (601IB), said the surrender was a result of joint efforts of the 601IB, 40IB, Maguindanao Provincial Police Office, Ampatuan Municipal Police Station and the local government of Ampatuan, Maguindanao.

READ: 2 terrorists killed in Lanao Sur clash

During debriefing, the ex-BIFF members revealed that they were experiencing hardships and starvation while evading operations conducted by the Armed Forces.

They said they also realized that they were lured with false ideologies that affected themselves and their fellow Filipinos, hence their withdrawal of support to the group.

Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, commander of Joint Task Force (JTF) Central, said the influx of surrenders manifests the continuous dwindling of terrorist groups in Central Mindanao.

"We are optimistic that these groups, including the BIFF-Karialan Faction, are nearing its end," the JTF commander said.

READ: BIFF member surrenders in Cotabato

For the first quarter of 2022, the JTF Central reported 97 BIFF surrenders in their area of operation.

This also resulted in the recovery of 90 high-powered and low-powered firearms.

"We continue to gain ground and this is attributable to concerted efforts of the military troops, our partners and stakeholders. I, personally, would like to urge those who are still hiding to cross the line. We are more than willing to welcome and assist you in your reintegration into mainstream society," Rosario said.

Meanwhile, peace advocates in Central Mindanao denounced the alleged violence perpetrated by communist rebels.

READ: 12 'starving' BIFF members yield in Maguindanao

This happened after peace movements were conducted in Sultan Kudarat to condemn alleged atrocities initiated by the rebels from the New People's Army (NPA) for more than five decades now.

Military troops from the 42nd Civil Relations Unit, 4th Civil Relations Group under the leadership of Maj. Andrew Linao and the 37IB led by Lt. Col. Allen Van Estrera, joined local officials and citizens in rallies in Barangay Sabanal and Barangay Hinalaan, both in Kalamansig, and the villages of Dumolol, Tibuhol, Batang Baglas and Midol, all in Palimbang.

Former rebels and indigenous groups also participated in the activities.

READ: More rebels surrender in Maguindanao

Uy commended the troops who ensured the successful conduct of the peace rallies.

"We are doing this to encourage more people to support us in our quest for indestructible peace in the province of Sultan Kudarat. We also would like to express our condemnation of the inhumane attacks of the communist group that has ruined the lives of the peace-loving people of Mindanao for 53 years," he said.

Highlights of the rallies were the burning of NPA flags and a peace march, where people conveyed their messages through the placards they brought along with them.

'We all aim for genuine peace in our respective communities. We will be able to achieve this if we will continue to unite and let our calls for peace be heard," Rosario said.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/04/01/news/regions/12-pro-is-fighters-surrender-in-south/1838422