RETURN TO NORMAL LIFE. At least 50 former Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters pledge allegiance to the Philippine flag during surrender rites at the BARMM police regional office in Parang town, Maguindanao del Norte province on Friday (May 12, 2023). Philippine National Police chief, Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr., (not in photo) welcomed the former BIFF combatants during the surrender rites. (Photo courtesy of Radyo Bandera Cotabato)
COTABATO CITY – Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, General Benjamin Acorda Jr., welcomed Friday the surrender of 50 outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in Parang town, Maguindanao del Norte province.
The surrenderers turned in their firearms and pledge allegiance to the Philippine flag during surrender ceremonies held at the Camp SK Pendatun, the headquarters of the Police Regional Office in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR), situated in Parang.
One of the surrenderers told police officials that the group decided to lay down their guns and abandon their armed struggle to "live normal lives, away from fears of engaging a more powerful government force."
The BIFF surrenderers had been operating in Maguindanao del Norte and Maguindanao del Sur provinces. The group turned in several mortar rounds, assault rifles, grenade launchers, and bomb-making devices.
Brig. Gen. Allan Nobleza, the PRO-BAR director, presented the 50 former Moro extremists to Gen. Acorda in the presence of police officials and local leaders.
Acorda lauded the local political leaders for assisting the police in establishing a peaceful environment across BARMM.
“I appreciate your brave decision to embrace peace and work towards a better future for their communities,” Acorda told the surrenderers, adding that the event marks a crucial step towards lasting peace and reconciliation in the region.
Acorda presented the "Pedtabanga Tanu" livelihood assistance program to the former BIFF combatants during the ceremony.
“This program aims to empower and support the surrenderers in their transition to a peaceful and productive civilian life. Through livelihood training, skills development, and financial aid, the PNP and its partners are committed to ensuring that the former combatants have sustainable means of income and livelihood,” Acorda said in a statement on Friday.
An estimated 150 BIFF have so far surrendered to police and military authorities in the BARMM since January this year.
Acorda arrived here Thursday and presided over the BARMM Stakeholders’ Summit for Unity and Peace inside the BARMM regional government center in this city before proceeding to the PRO-BARMM headquarters for an overnight stay.
With Acorda were Brig. Gen. Nobleza, BARMM Senior Minister Abunawas Maslamama and BARMM Interior Minister Naguib Sinarimbo.
The meeting focused on the region's peace and order situation, encompassing security measures in preparation for the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.
The forum aims to bolster the collaboration between the PNP and local government officials for the implementation of plans and programs to preserve peace and order in the region.
During the summit, Acorda also emphasized the importance of inclusive and participatory governance, highlighting the need for sustained efforts in addressing the root causes of conflict and promoting social cohesion.
He said the discussions centered on collaborative initiatives, capacity-building programs, and community engagement strategies to build a united and prosperous Bangsamoro region.
He also conducted a command conference with the PRO-BAR leadership to discuss key issues and strategic plans for maintaining peace and security in the region, and held a special talk with police officers there. (PNA)
