ILIGAN CITY – Seven members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) surrendered to the military in Maguindanao del Sur at the 33rd Infantry Battalion headquarters in Barangay Zapakan, Radjah Buayan town on Sunday, March 26.
Joint Task Force Central Commander Maj. Gen. Alex Rillera said the surrender of the seven BIFF members was a result of the continuing efforts of the 33rd Infantry Battalion under Lt. Col. Udgie Villan to rid their area of operation of traces of terrorism.
Villan said the BIFF members were former members of the BIFF-Karialan Faction under the late Commander Motorola. Their names were not revealed for security reasons.
The former violent extremists turned over one caliber .30 M1 Garand Springfield Armory, one caliber 7.62mm rifle with magazine, two 9mm Uzi with magazines, three improvised explosive devices, and one clip of caliber .30 M1 Garand ammunition.
Western Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido urged the remaining members of the terror groups to surrender and take advantage of the government’s reintegration programs that will allow them to live peacefully and become productive members of the society.
“Rest assured that together with our partners from the National Task Force to End Local Armed Conflict, we will give our full support to those who returned to the fold of the law,” said Galido.
“We will walk with them as they begin a new life and reunite with their families and loved ones,” added Galido.
The BIFF members and the surrendered firearms are currently under the custody of 33IB for proper disposition.