7 terrorists yield to military in Maguindanao Norte

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 20, 2024): 7 terrorists yield to military in Maguindanao Norte (By Edwin Fernandez)

(Image courtesy of 6ID)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao del Norte – Tired of fighting a lost cause, seven local terrorists voluntarily surrendered to the military on Monday afternoon in their desire to live normal lives with their loved ones.

In a statement on Tuesday, Maj. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Central (JTFC), welcomed the former combatants, whom he described as “victims of wrong ideology and circumstances.”

“Our troops from the JTFC will continue to bolster our efforts with partner stakeholders to put an end to terrorism in Central Mindanao and convince the remaining terrorists to end their armed struggle and return to mainstream society,” Nafarrete said.

The surrenderers, who belonged to Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), separately yielded to various units of the 1st Brigade Combat Team (1BCT) in Barangay Pigcalagan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte.

Brig. Gen. Jose Vladimir Cagara, commander of the 1BCT, said two of the surrenders turned themselves in before the 6th Mechanized Battalion and brought with them their firearms.

Meanwhile, five other BIFF members surrendered to the Army’s 99th Infantry Battalion along with weapons that included a 60mm mortar, an M14 rifle, a Garand rifle, an improvised explosive device, and ammunition.

Cagara presented the seven to Nafarrete during ceremonies held at 1BCT headquarters in Pigcalagan.

The surrenderers were provided initial financial assistance and food packs by the local government unit and concerned government offices of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

To date, over 50 terrorist members have surrendered to the military in mainland Mindanao this year.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1231602