Six former members of a violent extremist group surrendered to authorities, as well as turning over 24 loose firearms from various towns in the province of Maguindanao Del Sur, during the Oath of Allegiance held at Brgy. Midtimbang in the town of Datu Anggal Midtimbang on 29 July 2026.

The 1st Mechanized Infantry (Lakan) Battalion hosted the said event as Commanding Officer Lt. Col. William Sabado presented the surrendered armaments to 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division Assistant Division Commander and 601st Infantry Brigade Commander Brig. Gen. Edgar L. Catu.

In the said 24 loose firearms, seven are from Talayan; seven are from Guindulungan; four from Datu Anggal Midtimbang; and six were surrendered by the violent extremist group who surrendered to authorities.

As part of their reintegration program, the surrenderers received financial assistance and rice assistance from the local government, DSWD, MSSD-BARMM and MPOS-BARMM to support their reintegration back into the community.

Since 2025, there were 747 high-powered firearms that were voluntarily surrendered and recovered by the 601st Infantry Brigade along with the 90th Infantry Battalion, 34th Infantry Battalion, 38th Infantry Battalion, 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion, and other units.

The number of former members of violent extremist groups who surrender and pledge their oath of allegiance to the government is currently increasing.

According to Brig. Gen. Catu, the continuous increase in the numbers of surrendered firearms and former members of violent extremists groups are a testament to the growing faith of the people in the government, and the successful coordination between the government and the community.

“Ipagpapatuloy ng 601st Infantry Brigade ang pagpapatupad ng Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Management Program upang mapanatili ang kapayapaan at matiyak ang ligtas at mapayapang BARMM Parliamentary Elections,” he said.