CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao (PNA) – Saying they are tired and disappointed, five more members of the extremist Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) operating in North Cotabato surrendered to authorities Thursday, July 21, the military here said Friday, July 22.
Capulong, also head of the Army-led Joint Task Force Central (JTFC), said the surrenderers turned in two Garand rifles, two M14 sniper rifles, and one 60mm mortar ammunition during the surrender rites at the headquarters of the 602nd Infantry Brigade in Carmen, North Cotabato.
“These people just want to live normal lives again,” he said.
One of the five BIFF members who identified himself as “Rodin” said his group is tired of fighting and running away from air and ground attacks of government forces.
“We expect this to materialize, for us to live peacefully with our loved ones,” he said in the vernacular.
Capulong said the surrenderers will get a livelihood package from the government.
Also last Thursday, July 21, 11 other disgruntled BIFF members yielded to the military in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao.
Since January this year, 138 BIFF and nine members of the Dawlah Islamiya Abu Torayfe Group have surrendered to the different units under the 6th ID and JTFC in Central Mindanao.