Fifty combatants of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) surrendered in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) on Thursday, May 11.
The mass surrender was witnessed by Police General Benjamin Acorda Jr., Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), at the headquarters of the Police Regional Office (PRO) BARMM in Camp Brig. Gen. Salipada K. Pendatun, Parang, Maguindanao del Norte.
The surrendered BIFF combatants received the "PEDTABANGA TANU" livelihood assistance program from Acorda which they can use for their transition to the mainstream society.
PNP Chief oversees mass surrender of 50 BIFF combatants in BARMM
May 12, 2023 05:15 AM
At a glance
Police General Benjamin Acorda Jr., Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), personally witnessed the mass surrender of 50 combatants of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) on Thursday, May 11.
(PNP Chief Police Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. / Photo by PRO-BARMM)
Acorda graced the event during his visit at the headquarters of the Police Regional Office (PRO) BARMM in Camp Brig. Gen. Salipada K. Pendatun, Parang, Maguindanao del Norte.
Police Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan, chief of PNP public information office, said the mass surrender of the insurgents marked a crucial step towards attaining lasting peace and reconciliation in the Bangsamoro region.
“Police General Acorda expressed his appreciation for the brave decision of the 50 BIFF members to embrace peace and work towards a better future for their communities,” Maranan said on Friday, May 12.
The surrendered BIFF combatants received the "PEDTABANGA TANU" livelihood assistance program from Acorda which they can use for their transition to the mainstream society.
“Through livelihood training, skills development, and financial aid, the PNP and its partners are committed to ensuring that the former combatants have sustainable means of income and livelihood,” Maranan said.
The PNP Chief also presided over a stakeholders summit at Camp Pendatun which brought together key leaders and representatives from various sectors including the government, civil society, religious groups, and the private sector.
(PNP Chief Police Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. / Photo by PRO-BARMM)
“During the summit, General Acorda emphasized the importance of inclusive and participatory governance, highlighting the need for sustained efforts in addressing the root causes of conflict and promoting social cohesion,” Maranan noted.
“The discussions centered around collaborative initiatives, capacity-building programs, and community engagement strategies to build a united and prosperous Bangsamoro region,” he added.
Acorda then led a command conference with the PRO-BARMM headed by its regional director, Police Brig. Gen. Allan Nobleza, “to discuss key issues and strategic plans for maintaining peace and security in the region.”