CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – Eight members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) have yielded to the government Monday, an Army official said, adding the military’s peace campaign has continued to attract more Moro rebels into mainstream society.
“The rebels turned in assorted firearms as they renounced their membership with the group," Mayor Resty Sindatok of Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao told reporters.
Sindatok facilitated the surrender of BIFF members, led by Ibrahim Guno, after weeks of negotiation.
“They just grew tired of fighting a futile cause,” Sindatok said.
During the surrender ceremonies, the former BIFF members also pledged allegiance to the government and the Philippine flag.
Guno told reporters he and his group decided to return to the fold of law after realizing that their involvement with the BIFF has not given them good since.
Maj. Gen. Diosdado Carreon, 6th Infantry Division commander and chief of Joint Task Force Central, lauded Sindatok for his help in convincing the rebels to return to the mainstream.
The surrenderers turned in assorted firearms comprising of three M16 rifles, one Carbine rifle, one M14 rifle, two M1 Garand rifles, two rocket-propelled grenade launchers, one Mauser rifle and one M79 grenade launcher. (PNA)
Army’s peace campaign attracts more BIFF surrenderers
By Edwin Fernandez
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