ILIGAN CITY -- At least forty-four officers and members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters laid down their arms and returned to the folds of the law in Cotabato on Dec. 9, 2022.
Joint Task Force Central Commander Maj. Gen. Roy Galido said the former violent extremists submitted themselves to Col. Donald Gumiran, Acting Brigade Commander of the 602nd Infantry Brigade at the 90th Infantry Battalion Headquarters based in Barangay Lower Pataan, Kabacan, Cotabato. They also handed over 34 assorted firearms and high explosive ammunition.
Gumiran identified the BIFF personalities as officers and members of the BIFF-Karialan Faction.
“Among those who surrendered are the Battalion Commander of the group, Esmael Aman and the Secretary, Joel Pasco; three junior officers; seven bombers; and other members,” said Gumiran.
Gumiran lauded the collaborative efforts of the 90IB led by Lt. Col. Rommel Mundala; 1st Scout Ranger Battalion led by Lt. Col. Raymond Rapi; 33rd Infantry Battalion under Lt. Col. Benjamin Cadiente, Jr.; the intelligence units operating in Central Mindanao; the local government units; other stakeholders; and the peace-loving citizens of Cotabato who made the surrender of the 44 BIFF personalities possible.
During the debriefing, Aman revealed that they decided to end their armed struggle because they regained trust and confidence in the government.
They believe that through the reintegration programs implemented by the national and local governments, they will be able to reunite with their families and be productive citizens of their respective communities.
Western Mindanao Command Acting Commander Brig. Gen. Arturo Rojas commended the troops of JTF Central, led by Maj. Gen. Galido, for their steadfast resolve to employ both lethal and non-lethal operations to win peace in their area of operation.
“The remarkable accomplishments we have achieved in the campaign against terrorism and insurgency can be attributed to good governance and strong collaboration,” said Rojas.
“Our unified efforts led to numerous successes; hence if we sustain this momentum, we will soon achieve the lasting peace we all long for," added Rojas.