Photo courtesy of PNP/Facebook.
Five members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters separately laid down their arms and surrendered to authorities in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte on Feb. 13, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported Sunday.
Police said the group belonged to two BIFF factions and voluntarily turned themselves in during a ceremony held at the municipal hall of Barangay Dalumangcob.
Authorities identified the surrenderers as one member linked to the BIFF-Bungos faction and four others affiliated with the BIFF-Karialan group, all of whom signified their intention to abandon armed struggle.
During the turnover, the former fighters surrendered high-powered weapons, including rocket-propelled grenade launchers, a 60mm mortar, an improvised firearm, and assorted ammunition.
The firearms and explosives were secured by police personnel and brought to the Sultan Kudarat Municipal Police Station for documentation and proper disposition, the PNP said.
PNP chief Police Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. welcomed the surrender, describing it as an indication that peace-building efforts in conflict-affected areas were gaining traction.
“This surrender is a clear message that more and more individuals are choosing peace over violence. Mas mahalaga ang buhay na tahimik kaysa sa buhay na laging tumatakbo at nagtatago,” Nartatez said.
He said the police would continue security operations while supporting reintegration programs for those willing to return to civilian life, adding that reducing the number of loose firearms was key to strengthening community safety in Mindanao.