Kalinaw News: Influx of BIFF surrenders in Central Mindanao continues

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jun 14, 2022): Influx of BIFF surrenders in Central Mindanao continues



Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – June 14, 2022

Seven more members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) laid down their arms and returned to the folds of the law in Maguindanao on Monday morning, June 13, 2022.

Former violent extremists (FVE) identified as a.k.a. Rambo, 30 years old; a.k.a. Abdul, 19 years old; a.k.a. Domeng, 32 years old; a.k.a. Ben, 32 years old; a.k.a. Nash, 32 years old; a.k.a. Tumban, 28 years old; and a.k.a. Bas, 25 years old submitted themselves to the troops of the 92nd Infantry Battalion. Surrendered personalities are former members of the BIFF-Karialan and Bungos Factions. They handed over three cal. 30 M1 Garand rifles, one cal. 7.62 Garand rifle which was converted to M14 rifle, two cal. 30 Mauser rifles, and one rocket-propelled grenade.

Lt. Col. Nathaniel Balintong, Commanding Officer of 92IB presented the ex-BIFF members to Col. Leodevic Guinid, Commander of the 1st Brigade Combat Team (1BCT). Sultan Mastura Mayor Rauf Mastura, Jr.; Sultan Kudarat Mayor Datu Ahmad Tucao Ong Mastura, and; other representatives from the local government units witnessed the presentation held at the 1BCT headquarters in Barangay Pigcalagan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao. During the ceremonial presentation, the representatives from the LGUs handed over financial assistance and three sacks of rice to each FVE.

This is the second batch of surrenders for this month. It can be recalled that five BIFF members yielded to the military in Tacurong City, province of Sultan Kudarat on June 7.

Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr., Commander of Western Mindanao Command said the influx of BIFF surrender is a result of the collaborative efforts of the military, other security sectors, stakeholders, and the local government units. “This is also attributable to the good governance executed by our local government officials,” he added.

Joint Task Force Central listed a total of 133 BIFF surrenders during the first six months of 2022.

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/influx-of-biff-surrenders-in-central-mindanao-continues/