DEACTIVATED GUNS. The three high-powered firearms of three surrendering Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) were presented to Mayor Sumulong Sultan (2nd from right) of Pikit, North Cotabato on Wednesday (Nov. 23, 2022). The surrenderers said they gave up on the BIFF struggle after realizing that it was getting nowhere. (Photo courtesy of PRO-12)
PIKIT, North Cotabato – Three members of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) have voluntarily surrendered to authorities here after realizing their struggle for a meaningless cause, a top police official said Thursday.
“They can now live peacefully with their families and loved ones,” Brig. Gen. Jimili Macaraeg, director of the Police Regional Office (PRO) 12 (Soccsksargen), said in a statement.
The surrenderers were presented to police and military officials at the town hall in Barangay Fort Pikit on Wednesday.
Their surrender was facilitated by the municipal and provincial police offices, and the 90th Infantry Battalion of the Army’s 602nd Infantry Brigade.
Macaraeg identified the surrenderers as Ambulodto Mangansing Butuan Jr., Jojo Hassan Mangansing, and Dhats Abdul Mangansing, all of the BIFF - Kagui Karialan faction operating in the borders of Sultan Kudarat, North Cotabato, and Maguindanao provinces.
He said the three also turned in two M14 rifles, an improvised .50-caliber sniper rifle, and ammunition.
“The PRO-12 will remain open and accommodating to our brethren who wish to lay down their arms and return to the fold of the government. We are unified in our common desire for a peaceful and progressive country,” Macaraeg said.
More than 30 former BIFF extremists have surrendered to police authorities in the region since January this year. (PNA)
