By Sam Ramos
Fifteen members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) surrendered to the Army on Monday, citing relentless military operations in Central Mindanao as a key factor in their decision to lay down their arms.
The group, identified as part of the BIFF’s “Bongos” faction operating in the marshlands of Datu Salibo, Maguindanao del Sur, turned themselves in at the 1st Brigade Combat Team headquarters in Barangay Pigcalagan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte. They were presented to the public during a ceremony facilitated by the Army.
Lt. Col. Gilbert Boado, commander of the 6th Mechanized Battalion, welcomed the surrenderers and emphasized the military’s commitment to helping them reintegrate into society. “We provide them the opportunity to reform,” Boado said.
The former combatants handed over high-powered firearms, including two homemade .50-caliber Barrett sniper rifles, along with ammunition. In return, they received sacks of rice, food packs, and financial aid from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’s Ministry of Social Services and Development. These resources are intended to support their reintegration into their communities and help them rebuild their lives.
Brig. Gen. Jose Vladimir Caraga, commander of the 1st Brigade Combat Team, commended the surrenderers for choosing peace and urged them to encourage others still engaged in armed conflict to do the same. “You made the right decision. Tell your colleagues who are still out there to come forward and embrace peace,” Caraga said.