NEW LIFE. Members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters turn in their rifles to Midsayap, North Cotabato Mayor Rolly Sacdalan (4th from left) on Monday (May 1, 2023) while (from left) Brig. Gen. Donald Gumiran, 602nd brigade commander, a representative of the BARMM’s Ministry of Social Services and Development, and Lt. Col. Rey Rico, look on. The BIFF surrenderers were also given financial aid and food packs as initial assistance. (Photo courtesy of 34IB)
COTABATO CITY – Saying they now desire to live normal lives, six members of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) surrendered to the Army’s 34th Infantry Battalion (IB) in Midsayap town, North Cotabato, a military official said Tuesday.
“Their decision to lay down guns and surrender is a clear decision they abandoned armed struggle triggered by a wrong ideology,” Lt. Col. Rey Rico, the Army’s 34IB commander, said.
During their surrender Monday, the six BIFF men turned over an M14 rifle, a Garand rifle, two sniper rifles, an M79 grenade launcher, and various ammunition.
Rico presented the surrenderers to Midsayap Mayor Rolly Sacdalan at the 34IB headquarters in Barangay Salunayan.
Sacdalan handed over financial assistance to the surrenderers. In addition, the Ministry of Social Services and Development in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao also provided food packs, two sacks of rice, and hygiene kits to the surrendering rebels.
At least 76 BIFF members have surrendered to the area of operation of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division covering the provinces of Maguindanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato, and part of Sarangani province. (PNA)
