From the Manila Times (Jan 9, 2022): 14 BIFF combatants surrender to govt (By Julmunir Jannaral)
Ammunition deposited to the Philippine Army by BIFF members who surrendered on Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Two young combatants of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), together with 12 of their adult comrades, surrendered to the military in Cotabato on Thursday, January 6.
According to Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom), on Saturday said the two minors are 16 and 17 years of age.
"This is one of the reasons why we work hard to end terrorism. We do not want our youth to be lured into the terrorist groups, be indoctrinated with false ideologies, and be deprived of a brighter future," the WestMinCom commander said.
The 14, whose identities were not disclosed, were members of the BIFF-Bungos Faction. They submitted themselves to the military at the 34th Infantry Battalion headquarters in Barangay Salunayan, Midsayap, Cotabato.
Col. Jovencio Gonzales, commander of the 602nd Infantry Brigade said that the surrendered personalities handed over one M16 rifle with a magazine and six rounds cartridge of 5.56mm ball; one M1 Garand rifle with three live ammunition; one M14 rifle with a magazine; two cal. 50 modified Barret Sniper rifle with five live ammunition; one 7.62mm modified Barret Sniper rifle with a magazine; and one cal. 45 pistol with magazine and three rounds of ammunition.
Two young combatants of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), together with 12 of their adult comrades, surrendered to the military in Cotabato on Thursday, January 6.
According to Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom), on Saturday said the two minors are 16 and 17 years of age.
"This is one of the reasons why we work hard to end terrorism. We do not want our youth to be lured into the terrorist groups, be indoctrinated with false ideologies, and be deprived of a brighter future," the WestMinCom commander said.
The 14, whose identities were not disclosed, were members of the BIFF-Bungos Faction. They submitted themselves to the military at the 34th Infantry Battalion headquarters in Barangay Salunayan, Midsayap, Cotabato.
Col. Jovencio Gonzales, commander of the 602nd Infantry Brigade said that the surrendered personalities handed over one M16 rifle with a magazine and six rounds cartridge of 5.56mm ball; one M1 Garand rifle with three live ammunition; one M14 rifle with a magazine; two cal. 50 modified Barret Sniper rifle with five live ammunition; one 7.62mm modified Barret Sniper rifle with a magazine; and one cal. 45 pistol with magazine and three rounds of ammunition.
Joint Task Force Central Commander, Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy lauded the troops of the 34IB for their hard work and dedication that led to this significant feat. On January 5, a member of the BIFF-Karialan Faction ended his armed struggle and submitted himself to the same army battalion.
The surrender of the 14 BIFF members was made possible through the joint efforts of the 34IB, intelligence units and Northern Kabuntalan Municipal Police Station.
"We condemn the groups who forcibly recruit minors and other vulnerable members of society to join them in their dubious goals." Lt. Gen. Rosario, Jr. added.
BIFF is listed as a terrorist organization in the Philippines that has been responsible for several bombing incidents and other terrorist activities in Central Mindanao.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/01/09/news/regions/14-biff-combatants-surrender-to-govt/1828675
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