WESTMINCOM: Influx of BIFF surrenders in Maguindanao continue

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Nov 20, 2020): Influx of BIFF surrenders in Maguindanao continue

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City- November 20, 2020

Western Mindanao Command Chief Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr. stated that six more BIFF personalities laid down their arms and returned to the folds of the law in Maguindanao on Friday morning, November 20, 2020.

Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. continued by saying that the sub-group leader of the Bungos Faction and five of his followers including Rasid Sangkali, a.k.a. Kensi; Nasrudin Talib, a.k.a. Alex; Mohammad Abdul Samad, a.k.a. Abu Baida; Khulo Amino a.k.a. Ulo; and Aladin Gaapar voluntarily surrendered to the 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion led by Lt. Col. Cresencio Sanchez, Jr.

“This influx of BIFF surrender is a result of the continuing offensives coupled with the non-combat operations launched by the Joint Task Force Central,” Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. said.

“Likewise, this is also attributable to the good governance of the local chief executives and to the collaborative efforts of the military, other security agencies, the different stakeholders, and the peace-loving people of Maguindanao,” Lt. Gen. Vinluan added.

From January 2020 to date, a total of 191 officials and members of the BIFF were disarmed through surrender, most of whom already benefitted from the livelihood programs of the government and are now living peacefully with their loved ones.

Furthermore, according to Lt. Col. Sanchez, Jr., the six handed over one locally made 81mm mortar with base plate and one modified M14, one locally made Cal.50 Barret, and two locally made 7.62mm Sniper rifles.

They were subsequently presented to Col. Ferdinand Lacadin, the Officer-in-Charge of the 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade and Shariff Aguak Mayor Marop Ampatuan at the brigade headquarters in Barangay Kamasi, Ampatuan, Maguindanao.

“I would like to commend the officers and men of the 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion for the splendid job,” said Col. Lacadin.

During the debriefing, Boy Alas said that they decided to end their armed struggle because their manpower and capability are continuously dwindling and they are tired of moving from one place to another trying to get out of hock.

“With all our substantial gains and successful campaigns, Joint Task Force Central will remain steadfast in working for lasting peace in central Mindanao,” said Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, JTF Central Commander.

“To all our partners and stakeholders, thank you for being with us in this fight against terrorism and insurgency,” he added.

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