PNP welcomes surrender of 50 BIFF members

From the Manila Times (May 15, 2023): PNP welcomes surrender of 50 BIFF members (By Franz R. Sumangil)

GEN. Benjamin Acorda Jr., Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, welcomed the surrender of 50 members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) on Friday in Parang town, Maguindanao del Norte.

The surrenderers turned over their firearms and pledged allegiance to the Philippine flag during a ceremony held at the Camp SK Pendatun, the headquarters of the Police Regional Office in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR).

The former BIFF outlaws used to operate in Maguindanao del Norte and Maguindanao del Sur. The group turned in several mortar rounds, assault rifles, grenade launchers, and bomb-making devices.

BGen. Allan Nobleza, PRO-BAR director, presented the 50 former Moro extremists to Acorda in the presence of police officials and local leaders.

Acorda lauded the local political leaders for assisting the police in establishing a peaceful environment across the BARMM.

"I appreciate your brave decision to embrace peace and work towards a better future for your communities," said Acorda, adding that the event marks a crucial step toward lasting peace and reconciliation in the region.

Acorda presented the "Pedtabanga Tanu" livelihood assistance program to the former BIFF combatants during the ceremony.

"This program aims to empower and support the surrenderers in their transition to a peaceful and productive civilian life. Through livelihood training, skills development, and financial aid, the PNP and its partners are committed to ensuring that the former combatants have sustainable means of income and livelihood," he said.

More than 150 BIFF members have so far surrendered to police and military authorities in the BARMM since January this year.

Acorda arrived in Cotabato City on Thursday and presided over the BARMM Stakeholders' Summit for Unity and Peace inside the BARMM regional government center in this city before proceeding to the PRO-BARMM headquarters for an overnight stay.

With Acorda were Nobleza, BARMM Senior Minister Abunawas Maslamama and BARMM Interior Minister Naguib Sinarimbo.

The meeting focused on the region's peace and order situation, encompassing security measures in preparation for the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.

The forum aimed to bolster the collaboration between the PNP and local government officials for the implementation of plans and programs to preserve peace and order in the region.

During the summit, Acorda also emphasized the importance of inclusive and participatory governance, highlighting the need for sustained efforts in addressing the root causes of conflict and promoting social cohesion.

He said the discussions centered on collaborative initiatives, capacity-building programs and community engagement strategies to build a united and prosperous Bangsamoro region.

Acorda also conducted a command conference with the PRO-BAR leadership to discuss key issues and strategic plans for maintaining peace and security in the region and held a special talk with police officers.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/05/15/regions/pnp-welcomes-surrender-of-50-biff-members/1891512