'Tired' Moro extremists yield to Army in Maguindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 8, 2022): 'Tired' Moro extremists yield to Army in Maguindanao (By Edwin Fernandez)

SURRENDER. Four Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) surrender Wednesday afternoon (Dec. 7, 2022) to the Army's 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade (1MIB) in Barangay Kalandagan, Tacurong City. Brig. Gen. Pedro Balisi, 1MIB chief (3rd from left), welcomed the surrenderers, who belonged to the BIFF's Kagi Karialan faction. (Photo courtesy of 6ID)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – Amid the intensified military operations against local terrorist groups in Maguindanao del Sur, four Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) decided to lay down their firearms Wednesday afternoon.

In a statement Thursday. Brig. Gen. Pedro Balisi Jr., 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade commander said the four BIFF surrenderers belonged to the group's Kagi Karialan Faction.

Balisi said the provincial government has committed to provide livelihood support to former violent extremists, as well as their enrollment in the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

“Exhaustion, hunger and continuously evading military forces running after them forced them to surrender. They also realized that their struggle was senseless and opted to live normal lives with their families,” Balisi said.

“Basically, our focused military operations made them decide to yield with their firearms,” he said, adding that they turned over a mortar launcher and various firearms.

Maj. Gen. Roy Galido, 6th Infantry Division (ID) chief, lauded the former BIFF members for choosing to return to mainstream society.

“I know you were victims of deception and misinformation, thank you for laying down your guns and let us all help each other in building peace in this promised land,” said Galido, who is the Joint Task Force Central head.

Since January this year, 201 BIFF have surrendered within the 6ID area of operations.

Some 239 assorted firearms and explosives were either confiscated or surrendered to the 6ID.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1190357