SIX Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), including a mid-level leader, have surrendered to the government as they wish to live peaceful and progressive lives, officials said Saturday, November 21, 2020.

Lieutenant General Corleto Vinluan, Jr., Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, said the group led by Badtogan Amino alias Boy Alas surrendered Friday to the 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion led by Lieutenant Colonel Cresencio Sanchez, Jr. in Maguindanao.

Vinluan said the followers of Amino who surrendered together with him were identified as Rasid Sangkali alias Kensi; Nasrudin Talib alias Alex; Mohammad Abdul Samad alias Abu Baida; Khulo Amino alias Ulo; and Aladin Gaapar.

“This influx of BIFF surrender is a result of the continuing offensives coupled with the non-combat operations launched by the Joint Task Force Central,” Vinluan said.

From January 2020 to date, a total of 191 officials and members of the BIFF were disarmed through surrender, most of whom already benefited from the livelihood programs of the government and are now living peacefully with their loved ones.

Sanchez said the BIFF surrenderers handed over one locally made 81-millimeter (mm) mortar with base plate and one modified M-14 rifle, one locally made caliber .50 Barret rifle, and two locally made 7.62-mm Sniper rifles.

Amino said during the debriefing that they decided to end their armed struggle because their manpower and capability are continuously dwindling and they are tired of moving from one place to another trying to get out of hock.

“With all our substantial gains and successful campaigns, Joint Task Force (JTF) Central will remain steadfast in working for lasting peace in central Mindanao,” said Major General Juvymax Uy, JTF Central commander. (SunStar Zamboanga)