BIFF leader, 10 members surrender in Maguindanao

From GMA News Online (Aug 14, 2021): BIFF leader, 10 members surrender in Maguindanao

A leader of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and 10 of his followers yielded to the military in Barangay Kuloy, Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao on Friday morning, August 13, 2021.

Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., Commander of the Western Mindanao Command, said on Saturday that combined elements of the 33rd Infantry Battalion and the intelligence operatives facilitated the surrender of a BIFF leader identified as a.k.a. Molawin.

Ten of his followers were identified only with the following aliases: Rahib, Nasrullah, Salahuddin, Esmail, Rahim, Haron, Tapa, One Eye, Naser, and Kasim.

“A.k.a. Molawin and his followers belong to the BIFF Karialan Faction,” Vinluan said in a statement.

According to Col. Pedro Balisi, Jr., Commander of the 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade, the successful surrender of the BIFF personalities was made possible through the support of the barangay chairpersons of Kuloy and Tapikan, both of Shariff Aguak town.

Balisi said the BIFF members surrender their weapons including:

two cal. 30 Barret,
one cal. 30 M1 Garand converted to M14 rifle,
one cal. 30 M1 Garand,
one cal. 5.56mm M16 rifle,
one cal. 45 pistol,
one cal. 45mm Thongram Submachine Gun,
one 60mm Mortar,
two improvised explosive devices,
four rounds cartridge of 7.62mm ball, and
two round cartridge of 60mm high explosives

According to the military, the BIFF members have surrendered as military strength is invincible that group's dwindling manpower cannot match in battle.

“The influx of surrenders exemplifies that we are winning not only the people’s trust but that of the enemies as well”.

Joint Task Force Central has reported a total of 87 surrenders for this year alone. It can be recalled that last August 7, 13 members of the same group also surrendered to the military in President Quirino, Sultan Kudarat, Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, Commander of JTF Central said.

“The spate of surrenders in central Mindanao signifies a breakthrough in our peace efforts to end terrorism in the area. We are hopeful that soon enough we will be able to totally dismantle the BIFF and all other threat groups,” Vinluan said.

The BIFF members were brought to 33IB headquarters in Barangay Zapakan, Rajah Buayan, the same province for custodial debriefing and proper disposition.

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