RIGHT DECISION. Seven members of the extremist Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), all seated in front, pose with local and military officials following their surrender in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao Monday (June 13, 2022). At least 132 BIFF rebels have yielded in Central Mindanao since January this year. (Photo courtesy of 1BCT)
COTABATO CITY – Their desire to live normal lives anew prompted seven Moro extremists to surrender to authorities in Maguindanao, the military here said Wednesday.
Col. Leodivic Guinid, the Army’s 1st Brigade Combat Team (1BCT) commander, said the latest batch of BIFF surrenderers operated in the towns of Datu Salibo, Sultan Mastura, and Sultan Kudarat, all in Maguindanao.
He said the batch was convinced by former BIFF comrades who earlier surrendered and are now living happy lives with their families.
The group yielded Monday afternoon to the 1BCT stationed in Sultan Kudarat town of Maguindanao.
“They will soon be reunited with their families after the debriefing procedure,” Guinid said.
A certain Dhatz, one of the surrenderers, said he was excited to see his family after several years of being on the run from pursuing government forces.
“We are exhausted from fighting a futile cause -- we just want to go home,” he said in a phone interview with reporters here.
Guinid, meanwhile, urged other BIFF combatants to take advantage of the government’s reconciliation program aimed at improving former rebels' lives through livelihood programs.
“Your returning to the fold of the law contributes to the economic advancement of Maguindanao. Let us help each other attain peace and prosperity for the province,” Guinid said.
Records from the Army’s 6th Infantry Division showed 132 BIFF fighters have so far surrendered to authorities in Central Mindanao since January this year. (PNA)
