7 BIFFs surrender in Maguindanao del Sur

From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Mar 28, 2023): 7 BIFFs surrender in Maguindanao del Sur

ZAMBOANGA. Seven Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) surrender to the 33rd Infantry Battalion on Sunday, March 26, 2023, in Zapakan village, Radja Buayan, Maguindanao del Sur. A photo handout shows the BIFF surrenderers together with Lieutenant Colonel Udgie Villan, 33IB in a photo session after they surrendered. (SunStar Zamboanga)

SEVEN Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) surrendered to military authorities in Maguindanao del Sur, the military reported, Tuesday, March 28, 2023.

They surrendered at the headquarters of the 33rd Infantry Battalion (IB) in Zapakan village, Radja Buayan, Maguindanao del Sur on Sunday, March 26.

Major General Alex Rillera, Joint Task Force Central commander, said the surrender of the seven BIFF members is a result of the continuing efforts of the 33IB under Lieutenant Colonel Udgie Villan, to clear their area of operation from the traces of terrorism.

Villan identified the surrenderers were followers of the late Commander Motorola of the BIFF-Karialan Faction.

He said they turned over one caliber .30 M1 Garand, one caliber 7.62-millimeter (mm) rifle with magazine, two 9-mm Uzi with magazines, three improvised explosive devices, and one clip of caliber .30 M1 Garand rifle.

The BIFF surrenderers and firearms are currently under the custody of 33IB for proper disposition.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant General Roy Galido, Western Mindanao Command chief, urged the remaining BIFF members to surrender and take advantage of the government’s reintegration programs that will allow them to live peacefully and become productive members of society.

“Rest assured that together with our partners from the National Task Force to End Local Armed Conflict, we will give our full support to those who returned to the fold of the law,” Galido said.

“We will walk with them as they begin a new life and reunite with their families and loved ones,” he added. (SunStar Zamboanga)

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1957355/zamboanga/local-news/7-biffs-surrender-in-maguindanao-del-sur