By Francis Wakefield Ten rebels of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) under the Karialan faction who surrendered to the 601st Infantry Brigade in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao were presented to Army 6th Infantry Division Commander Major General Cirilito E. Sobejana on Sunday. The 10 were presented to Sobejana and 601st Brigade Commander Brigadier General Diosdado C. Carreon at the Officer’s Club House, 6th ID, in Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao. The rebels surrendered on February 1, bringing with them their high-powered firearms composed of 50 caliber Barret rifle, ultimax 5.56mm rifle, M14 rifle and 45 caliber pistol with assorted magazines and ammunitions. Those who surrendered were Commander Gani Saligan, 4th Brigade commander of the 2nd Division, BIFF with his followers, Rafael Asim, Ksain Bantilan, Alex Datungan, Aladin Saligan, Longs Bantilan, Elmer Mangatog, Alan Saligan, Muhammid Maslamama, and Kanaw Maslamama. “I want to live a peaceful life with my family. There were promises from our leadership that were not fulfilled," Saligan said. “Our organization has its problem, particularly in leadership,” he added. Sobejana said the surrender of the rebels is a breakthrough in countering violent extremism considering that there are still members of the outlawed group who are planning to return to the folds of the law. He also encouraged other members of the BIFF to turn themselves in as this is a good opportunity for them to live a better life. “We will help them to go back to their normal lives by assisting them in getting livelihood opportunities through the local government. Each individual initially received 10,000 pesos as assistance from the provincial government of Maguindanao," Sobejana said. “We will also ensure their safety and security and they won’t be lured to join the rebel group again.” Major general he added. A total of 53 BIFF members have so far surrendered to the 6th Infantry Division.