ZAMBOANGA CITY — The commander of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters-Karialan Faction and 43 of his followers — including four sub-leaders and seven bomb makers — recently surrenders to authorities.

Joint Task Force Central commander Maj. Gen. Roy Galido disclosed that the BIFF commander voluntarily surrendered to the 90th Infantry Battalion and brought with him his men in Kabacan, Cotabato.

Galido said the group also turned over to the military 34 assorted high caliber weapons and nine high explosives ammunition.

Among the firearms and weapons they turn over to the military include one M14 Rifle, five .45 caliber pistols, two ingrams, one Carbine, one RPG2, six uzis, six Thompsons, two M79 grenade launchers, two 7.62mm guns, eight RPGs, eight RPG fragmentation-type rounds and one RPG High Explosive Anti-Tank round.

"They realized that it was time for them to give up and live a normal life once again with their families," Galido said.
The voluntary surrender of the former BIFF rebels was a result of the efforts of the army with the support of the local government unit, according to Col. Donald Gumiran, 602nd Philippine Army Brigade commander.