RIGHT MOVE. Seok Panday, a 35-year-old member of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters-Kagui Karialan faction operating in the borders of North Cotabato and Maguindanao provinces, turns over his M16 rifle to Mayor Romeo Arana in Midsayap, North Cotabato during his surrender on Thursday (Jan. 6, 2022). Looking on are Lt. Colonel Edgardo Vilchez Jr. (right), commander of the Army’s 34th Infantry Battalion, and other military officials. (Photo courtesy of 34IB)
MIDSAYAP, North Cotabato - A member of the extremist Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) operating in the borders of North Cotabato and Maguindanao has decided to surrender Thursday to be with his family once more.
“I surrendered because I want to live normally and be with my family this new year,” said Seok Panday, 35, a member of the BIFF - Kagui Karialan faction.
Panday yielded to Lt. Colonel Edgardo Vilchez Jr, commander of the Army’s 34th Infantry Battalion (IB), based in Barangay Salunayan of this town.
Panday also turned over an M16 rifle to Midsayap Mayor Romeo Araña as witnessed by officers of the 34IB.
Vilchez said the surrender of Panday was made possible by the support of Mayor Araña and the local government of Midsayap.
Speaking in the vernacular, Panday urged fellow BIFF members to come out, avail the government’s peace program, and live normal lives with their families. (PNA)
