TWENTY-NINE members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) have surrendered brought about by pressures of continues military offensive in central Mindanao, the military said Wednesday, April 1.
Colonel Jose Narciso, Army’s 601st Infantry Brigade commander, said the BIFFs, who belong to the Karialan faction, surrendered Monday at the headquarters of the 33rd Infantry Battalion in Zapakan Village, Rajah Buayan, Maguindanao.
Narciso said the BIFF surrenderers included a mid-level leader and an explosive expert.
Narciso said they surrendered assorted high-powered firearms, including sniper rifles, subversive documents of high-intelligence value, and flags of the BIFF and of the Islamic State for Iraq and Syria (ISIS).
“A holistic approach, applying military and non-military actions will be sustained, and hoping that the other various militant factions in the region will be laying down their arms,” Narciso said.
Major General Diosdado Carreon, Army’s 6th Infantry Division commander, said the surrender of the BIFFs inspire them to further intensify the offensive.
“This massive surrender of the BIFF militants is attributed to the gallant soldiers of Joint Task Force Central, the local government units, BARMM officials, traditional and religious leaders, and the civilian community, who continue to converge for the attainment of peace and sustainable development in Central Mindanao,” said Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom).
“This achievement is a breakthrough for the Joint Task Force Central. With the weakening of their group, we are confident that more fighters will be compelled to cross the line,” Sobejana added.
The BIFF surrenderers were placed under custodial debriefing while their firearms were deposited at the headquarters of the Army’s 33th Infantry Battalion for documentation. (SunStar Zamboanga)