COTABATO CITY — Claiming they would like to live peacefully with their families, 11 members of a local terrorist group surrendered to police and local authorities on Wednesday, turning over their firearms, police said.
Col. John Michael Mangahis, Maguindanao del Sur police provincial director, said the surrenderers were presented during a peace and reintegration ceremony at Camp Datu Akilan, PNP provincial office, in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur.
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Gov. Datu Ali Midtimbang lauded the police for their efforts to convince lawless elements to take the path of peace. He also lauded the former combatants for putting their families first over an unknown ideology.
Mangahis said the surrenderers belonged to the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), under Kagi Karialan and Bungos factions, and some were followers of rough rebel commander Saga Animbang.
During the ceremony, the former rebels turned over several improvised explosive devices (IEDs), a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG), loose firearms, and live ammunition.
All surrendered items were properly documented, inventoried, and secured by the Philippine National Police for appropriate disposition.
One of the surrenderers said the group had collectively decided to abandon armed struggle and pursue peaceful and productive lives because they want to see their children grow away from violence.
Mangahis said the surrender of weapons and explosives would significantly reduce security threats to civilians and government forces in the province.
Other officials said the surrender program is a testament to the effectiveness of inter-agency coordination, intelligence-driven operations, and community engagement efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability.
As part of their reintegration program, the surrenderers received livelihood assistance and certificates of reintegration, underscoring the government’s commitment to reconciliation and providing former combatants with opportunities to rebuild their lives.
Mangahis credited the program’s success to strong cooperation among government agencies and the steadfast support of the provincial government. He also commended the former rebels for choosing peace over conflict and encouraged them to become advocates of peace within their communities. /coa
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