7 BIFF members presented to military top officers and gov’t officials

 PAGADIAN CITY (Feb. 18, 2021) -  Seven members of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) who yielded to the troops of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion were presented to top military officers of the Joint Task Force Central and government officials of Guindulungan, Maguindanao on Monday afternoon of February 15, 2021.

“Based on the report from the ground, the successful surrender of the seven was facilitated by the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion and the intelligence units operating in the area,” Western Mindanao Command Chief Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., disclosed.

The activity was held at the headquarters of the 2Mech Bn in Barangay Midtimbang, Datu Anggal Midtimbang (DAM), Maguindanao and was witnessed by Brig. Gen. Jose Narciso, the Assistant Division Commander of the 6th Infantry Division; Col. Ferdinand Lacadin, Acting Commander of the 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade; Guindulungan Mayor Midpantao Midtimbang, Jr.; Association of Barangay Captains of Guindulungan President Pendatun Kamsa; and other military and local government officials.

During their surrender, the former militants brought along with them five high-powered firearms including one locally made 60mm mortar, one locally made cal. 50 Sniper rifle, one 5.56mm M16A1 rifle, one M1 Garand cal. 30, and one M1 Garand cal. 30 converted to M14 rifle.

“Subject personalities will be subjected to custodial debriefing to be conducted by the intelligence operatives,” said Lt. Col. Omar Orozco, Commanding Officer of the 2nd Mech Bn.

“We also coordinated with our PNP counterparts for any existing criminal cases filed against the said individuals,” Lt. Col. Orozco added.

During the initial debriefing, the surrendered personalities said that they decided to come out because they are experiencing hardships while evading the government forces. They are tired of hiding and they want to live a peaceful life and be able to work and provide financial support to their families.

Col. Lacadin commended the operating troops for the latest feat in the campaign against terrorism in Maguindanao.

Likewise, JTF Central Commander Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy said, “May these seven personalities inspire their comrades to yield to the government forces and start anew with their families”.

Since January 1, 2021, JTF Central has successfully facilitated the surrender of 18 BIFF members.

“Congratulations to the troops of the Joint Task Force Central. You have shown expertise in handling security threats without incurring casualties. May these best practices reap more successes as we continue our journey towards peace in Mindanao,” said Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr.  (By JONG CADION with reports and photos from WestMinCom-PIO)

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