BIFF member with machinegun yields to Army in Maguindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 19, 2022): BIFF member with machinegun yields to Army in Maguindanao (By Edwin Fernandez)

WEARY FIGHTER. A gunner of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), identified only as “Rasbil” (4th from left), surrendered to the military with his Ultimax light machinegun on Friday (Aug. 19, 2022). The surrenderer claims he was tired and simply wanted to live a normal life. (Photo courtesy of 6MIB)

Citing exhaustion, a member of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) surrendered to military authorities in Maguindanao Friday.

Lt. Col. Ferdinand dela Cruz, commander of the Army’s 6th Mechanized Infantry Battalion (6MIB), only identified the BIFF surrenderer as “Rosbil” due to security reasons.

Dela Cruz said Rasbil, 40, is a BIFF affiliate and member of the Private Armed Group under a certain Jun Barang.

Rasbil turned in his Ultimax 100 5.56mm light machinegun to dela Cruz before he was presented to Lt. Col. Johnny Bayog, the chief of staff of the 1st Brigade Combat Team, at the command post of the 6MIB in Barangay Pigcalagan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao.

Sultan Banjo Mampon, Sultan Kudarat town administrator, and other local officials witnessed the turnover ceremony.

The local government unit assured financial assistance to the surrenderer as part of the military’s Balik Baril program.

Rasbil will also undergo documentation for the issuance of appropriate clearance and documents for his enrollment in the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program, dela Cruz said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1181766