WAR MATERIALS NO MORE. Major Gen. Diosdado Carreon (right), Army’s 6th Infantry Division commander and Joint Task Force Central (JTFC) chief, inspects one of two rifles surrendered by two combatants of the Islamic State-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in Gen. S. K. Pendatun on Wednesday (June 24, 2020). Looking on are Lt. Col. Rogelio Gabi (center), 40th Infantry Battalion commander, and Brig. Gen. Roy Galido, 601st Infantry Brigade chief. (Photo courtesy of 40IB)
CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – The chief of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division lauded the 40th Infantry Battalion (IB) stationed in Gen. S. K. Pendatun, Maguindanao for the surrender of two combatants of the Daesh-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in the province.
“Your accomplishment in destroying the armed lawless groups and the BIFF contributed a lot in maintaining peace and order in the province,” said Major Gen. Diosdado Carreon, who also heads the Army-led Joint Task Force Central, after the two BIFFs were presented to him at the headquarters of the 40IB in President Quirino town on Wednesday.
Lt. Col. Rogelio Gabi, 40IB commander, identified the two surrenderers as Abubakar Kautin, a BIFF field commander long wanted by authorities, and Katin Said, his loyal follower.
The surrenderers turned over an M16 rifle and an M1 Garand rifle.
The BIFF leader’s surrender was also made possible by the joint efforts of Gen. S. K. Pendatun Mayor Rafsanjani Ali and Datu Paglas Mayor Abubakar Paglas.
Speaking to reporters, Gabi said his unit is willing to accept BIFFs, including those from the communist New People’s Army, who are willing to live normal lives with their families.
“We will do our mandate to maintain peace and order, and at the same time accept those who are willing to change,” he said.
For those who prefer violence, Gabi said the Army is ready to face them.
Earlier this month, the 40IB destroyed a major BIFF lair in Barangay Baumol, Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat following a firefight. (PNA)
