A MEMBER of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighter (BIFF) has surrendered to military authorities in the province of North Cotabato, military officials announced Friday, January 7, 2022.
Lieutenant General Alfredo Rosario, Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), identified the BIFF surrenderer as Seck Panday, who belongs to the BIFF-Karialan faction.
“He submitted himself and handed over his M16A1 rifle to Colonel Jovencio Gonzales, commander of the 602nd Infantry Brigade and Lieutenant Colonel Edgardo Vilchez, Jr., commander of the 34th Infantry Battalion (IB) in Barangay Salunayan, Midsayap, North Cotabato,” Rosario added.
Gonzales said Panday, who surrendered Wednesday, January 5, was subsequently presented to Midsayap Mayor Romeo Arana.
“He will be included in the list of beneficiaries of livelihood packages to help him start anew so that he will not be lured to join the group again,” Gonzales said.
The surrender of Panday was made possible through the joint efforts of the 34IB, Midsayap police, and the intelligence units.
The 34IB is currently facilitating the custodial debriefing of Panday.
Based on the report, Panday grew tired of hiding and running for his life as the military intensified its operations in the North Cotabato area, hence his surrender.
Major General Juvymax Uy, Joint Task Force (JTF)-Central commander, lauded the 602nd Infantry Brigade and its subordinate units for the numerous accomplishments particularly in convincing several BIFF members to end their armed struggle.
In 2021, JTF-Central reported a total of 189 BIFF members who surrendered in Central Mindanao.
“This is a good start for the new year. Rest assured that the Western Mindanao Command will continue to accomplish its mandates until we achieve sustained peace and development in Western Mindanao,” Rosario said. (SunStar Zamboanga)