Key Philippine Military and Insurgency-Related Events: WESTMINCOM: Influx of BIFF surrenders in Central Mindanao continues

Wednesday, August 23, 2023

WESTMINCOM: Influx of BIFF surrenders in Central Mindanao continues

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Aug 21, 2023): Influx of BIFF surrenders in Central Mindanao continues

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – August 21, 2023

Six remnants of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters – Karialan Faction (BIFF-KF) laid down their arms and returned to the folds of the law in Cotabato on August 18, 2023.

Three of the six former violent extremists surrendered to the military at the 90th Infantry Battalion Headquarters in Barangay Ladtingan, Pikit, Cotabato, at 1:00 p.m. Friday.

The trio handed over two Garand riddles and one Cal .30 Barret Sniper rifle. They submitted themselves to Col. Neil Alfonso Roldan, Deputy Brigade Commander of the 602nd Infantry Brigade; Lt. Col. Rowel Gavilanes, Commanding Officer of the 90IB; Maj. Raul Obaob, Executive Officer of the 34th Infantry Battalion; and Police Col. Argel Ancheta, Commanding Officer of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 14.

Meanwhile, three more BIFF-KF remnants yielded to the Community Support Program-Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (CSP-PCVE) operators in Barangay Kabasalan, same municipality, at 5:27 p.m., the same day.

The former violent extremists handed over one M14 rifle with a magazine, one Garand rifle with a magazine clip, one Cal .45 pistol with a magazine, and assorted ammunition.

Col. Roldan attributed the influx of surrenders to the continuing CSP-PCVE efforts of the 90IB to locate and encourage the remaining members of the BIFF to return to the folds of the law and conduct a series of peace dialogues in the area.

Western Mindanao Command Chief, Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, said the military’s successful implementation is a result of the collaborative efforts of the operating troops, partner agencies, local government units, and other stakeholders.