Continuing military operations compel 6 BIFF militants to surrender

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (June 29, 2021) - Six members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters yielded to the military in Maguindanao on June 28, 2021.

According to Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., Commander of Western Mindanao Command, the six former violent extremists were members of the Bungos Faction.

Subject personalities submitted themselves and handed over their firearms at the 6th Infantry Battalion headquarters at Sitio Landing Fish, Buayan, Datu Piang, Maguindanao.

Col. Pedro Balisi, Commander of 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade said the successful surrender was facilitated by the military and the local government unit led by Datu Salibo Mayor Solaiman Sandigan.

“The surrender of the six exemplifies the dwindling of the group hence we will continue our focused military operations and civil-military cooperation to sustain the momentum,” said Col. Balisi.

Surrendered BIFF militants handed over the following rifles: two M16A1, one M14, and three cal. 30 Garand.

They also surrendered various M16 and M13 magazines and ammunition 

Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, Commander of JTF Central called on the remaining members of the BIFF to return to the folds of the law and enjoy a peaceful life with their loved ones.

“Many of those who surrendered are now enjoying the benefits and assistance provided by the AGILA-HAVEN program in Maguindanao and DIWATA-HAVEN in Cotabato.

He also emphasized that JTF Central will continue to hunt down the remaining terrorists and violent extremists in central Mindanao.

Since January 2021, a total of 145 BIFF militants were neutralized by the troops of the JTF Central, 100 of which were killed and 45 surrendered.

“With our earnest desire to win lasting peace in our area of operation, the Western Mindanao Command through all of its Joint Task Forces is working doubly to eliminate the remaining terrorists either through focused military operations or peaceful mechanisms,” said Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr.

“We are currently in advantage and we are capable of sustaining this through the support of our partners, stakeholders, the local government units, and the people.

For that we want to express our sincerest gratitude to all those who give their all-out support to the accomplishment of our mission,” he added.(By JONG CADION with reports and photos from WestMinCom-PIO)

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