ZAMBOANGA CITY — Nine former extremists, including the son of a notorious militant founder, surrendered to government forces in Maguindanao del Norte this week, turning over a cache of high-powered weapons.

The group, comprised of eight members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and one from Dawlah Islamiyah, yielded Wednesday to the 1st Brigade Combat Team.

Among those who surrendered was an individual identified by the alias “Tata,” the son of the late Ameril Umbra Kato. Kato founded the BIFF before his death in 2015.

“I realized that the futile armed struggle is pointless,” Tata said in a statement. “What I want now is to be with my family, change my life, and live a peaceful and dignified life.”

The former combatants surrendered a diverse array of weaponry, including a Barrett sniper rifle, an Ultimax rifle, an Ingram submachine gun, and several other rifles and a mortar.

Col. Rommel S. Pagayon, acting commander of the 1st Brigade Combat Team, formally received the group at the brigade headquarters in Barangay Pigcalagan on Thursday.