Infantry commander says BIFF forces weakening

From the Manila Times (Aug 11, 2021): Infantry commander says BIFF forces weakening (By Franz Sumangil)

MIDSAYAP, North Cotabato: The members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) are down to 80 or 90 hiding in the marshland of Maguindanao and will surrender soon.

This is according to Col. Pedro Balisi, commander of the First Mechanized Infantry Brigade.

"In just a matter of time all the extremist gunmen pursuing violent extremism will realize they were misguided and fighting a lost cause," Balisi said.

"More have expressed willingness to surrender, waiting for an opportune time," Balisi added.

Balisi made the statement after the surrender, on separate occasions, of 11 BIFF members who also yielded their high-powered firearms that included cal. 50 machine guns and sniper rifles.

He said the locals in the communities surrounding the marshlands have continued convincing the rebels to surrender peacefully to the government and have normal lives.

"Our focused military operations geared towards them also forced the extremists to surrender," Balisi said.

More than 150 BIFF members have surrendered to the government since 2020 with the latest belonging to the Bungos and Karialan factions.

"Relentless military operations continue for those who refused to surrender but opened their doors to those who wished to be with their families and live peaceful lives," said Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, commander of the Sixth Infantry Division based in Maguindanao.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/08/11/news/regions/infantry-commander-says-biff-forces-weakening/1810456