45 BIFF members wave white flag

ZAMBOANGA CITY — At least 45 members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) surrendered and turned over their high-powered firearms to soldiers in Datu Anggal Midtimbang and Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur.

Col. Edgar L. Catu, commander of the 601st Infantry (Unifier) Brigade, said on Friday that four BIFF fighters surrendered to soldiers of the 1st Mechanized Infantry (LAKAN) Battalion in Barangay Midtimbang, Datu Anggal Midtimbang on Thursday.

Lt. Col. Robert F. Betita, commander of the 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion, immediately presented the four to Col. Catu during a ceremony held at the camp of the 1st Mechanized Infantry (LAKAN) Battalion.

Catu said the constant community dialogues, barangay immersions, and negotiations led to the surrender of the four former BIFF combatants to the soldiers.

Catu said Maguindanao del Sur Provincial Board Member Datu Bobby Midtimbang also helped convince the former members to surrender.

Midtimbang also provided various aid to the four former BIFF members, such as cash assistance, tricycles, and sacks of rice to each surrenderer.

The Ministry of Public Order and Safety, represented by Sittie Janine Gamao, said the BARMM government also allotted some assistance for the four former BIFF members.

Catu also praised and thanked those who surrendered, encouraging them to convince their colleagues who were still in hiding to change their lives and return to the government so that they could live in peace and advance in life.

Also on Thursday, the 92nd IB Forward Operating Base in Barangay Salbu, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur, presented 41 former BIFF members from the Bungos and Karialan factions to Maj. Gen. Cerilo C. Balaoro Jr., commander of the 2nd Infantry “Jungle Fighter” Division, Philippine Army.

Lt. Col. Christian V. Cabading, commanding officer of the 92nd Infantry “Tanglaw Diwa” Battalion, said the BIFF fighters symbolically committed to peace by handing over their firearms.

Cabading said the 41 former BIFF fighters came from various municipalities of the province of Maguindanao del Sur and in the Special Geographic Area of Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Each BIFF fighter received immediate assistance from the local and BARMM government to support their transition to a peaceful and productive life within their communities.