Kalinaw News: Influx of BIFF surrenders in Central Mindanao continues

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 15, 2022): Influx of BIFF surrenders in Central Mindanao continues (By Western Mindanao Command)

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – December 15, 2022

Seven more members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) surrendered to the military in Barangay Zapakan, Rajah Buayan, Maguindanao del Sur, on December 14, 2022.

The former violent extremists handed over to Lt. Col. Benjamin Cadiente, Jr., Commanding Officer of the 33rd Infantry Battalion, their firearms, including two M14 rifles, one M16A1 rifle, one M79 Grenade Launcher, and one 60mm mortar.

Lt. Col. Cadiente said that among the surrendered personalities is Bendal Kalim Alim, a.k.a. Miranda, the leader of a sub-group of the BIFF-Karialan Faction. “The surrender of Alim and his followers was made possible through the intensified intelligence and civil-military operations launched by our team.”

Maj. Gen. Roy Galido, Commander of Joint Task Force Central, commended the 33IB troopers for sustaining the momentum. He also expressed his appreciation to the local chief executives of Maguindanao del Sur for their unwavering support of the military’s campaign against terrorism and insurgency that led to the snowball of BIFF surrenders, especially during the last quarter of 2022.

It can be recalled that on December 9, 2022, 44 BIFF personalities yielded to the armed forces in Kabacan, Cotabato. Among those who surrendered is the Battalion Commander of the group, Esmael Aman; the Secretary, Joel Pasco; three junior officers; seven bombers; and other members.

“The influx of BIFF surrenders in Central Mindanao exemplifies the positive result of the employment of the whole-of-nation approach in the peace campaign of the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” Marine Brig. Gen. Arturo Rojas, Acting Commander of Western Mindanao Command stated.

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