Kalinaw News: BIFF Carrying Heavy Weapons and a Mortar Surrendered

From Kalinaw News (Feb 17, 2021): BIFF Carrying Heavy Weapons and a Mortar Surrendered

CAMP SINGCO, Maguindanao – Seven more Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) combatants returned to the folds of government withdrawn and laid down their high powered firearms to the troops of 2nd Mechanized Battalion in Brgy Midtimbang, Datu Anggal Midtimbang, Maguindanao on February 15, 2021.

These former violent extremists surrendered through the joint efforts of the 2nd Mechanized Battalion of Joint Task Force Central and the local government unit facilitated by Lt. Col. Omar Orozco, Commanding Officer of 2md Mechanized Battalion.

“Ang pagbabalik-loob ng ating mga kapatid ay patunay na naniniwala sila sa kapayapaang inaalok ng ating pamahalaan” Lt. Col. Orozco said.

In a simple ceremony the surrenderers were presented to Brigadier General Jose Narciso, assistant Division Commander, 6ID, Colonel Pedro Balisi of 1 Mechanized Brigade, Armor Division; Hon Midpantao Midtimbang Jr, Mayor of Guindulungan and Hon. Pendatun Kamsa, ABC President of Guindulungan.

“Napagtanto po namin na walang magandang maidudulot sa aming buhay ang patuloy na pag anib sa BIFF, pagod, gutom at hirap lamang ang aming napapala, kaya napag isipan ko kasama ang anim ko pang kasamahan na sumuko at magbalik loob sa gobyerno” one of the surrenderees said while he recall their painful experiences in the battle field.

The former LTG members have carried with them the following firearms – one 60mm mortar, one Cal .50 Sniper rifle, 5.56mm M16A1 rifle, M1 Garand Cal .30, M1 Garand Cal .30 converted to M14 rifle.

Major General Juvymax R. Uy, Commander of 6th Infantry (KAMPILAN) Division said “the multiple influx of BIFF surrenders are the product of the “AGILA-HAVEN” program of Joint Task Force Central together with thr provincial government of Maguindanao, thus we welcomed these former BIFF members as they go to the mainstream society; our concerted efforts with the Provincial Local Government of Maguindanao will pave way for the attainment of the lasting genuine peace in this part of Mindanao”.A total of 78 BIFF members have laid down their arms and went back to the folds of law since the assumption of Maj. Gen. Uy on September 7, 2020.

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https://www.kalinawnews.com/biff-carrying-heavy-weapons-and-a-mortar-surrendered/