TWO members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) surrendered around 4 p.m. Monday, July 22, to military authorities in the province of North Cotabato, a top military official said.

Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, identified the surrenderers as Ali Sandigan Dapak and Kadel Usman Katugay, who surrendered to the Army’s 7th Infantry Battalion in Lower Pataan village, Kabacan, North Cotabato. They belong to the Karialan faction of the BIFF.

Sobejana said they yielded one Caliber .50 rifle, one M14 rifle, and assorted magazine and ammunition.

He said the surrender of the two came amid Westmincom’s mounting offensives in known terrorists’ hubs and increased community engagements to combat violent extremism in Mindanao.

“We toil not only to triumph battles but to conquer the hearts of our enemies, too, in the name of peace and stability in the region,” Sobejana said.

“This is a sincere call on rebel fighters to cross the line and join this crusade to conquer the common enemy. Let us stand united against terrorism,” he added. (SunStar Philippines)