SIXTEEN members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) have surrendered to government authorities in the province of Maguindanao del Sur, the military said Monday, March 17, 2025.
The 4th Civil Relations Group (4CRG) said the 16 BIFF surrendered in the afternoon of Friday, March 14, at the headquarters of the 6th Infantry Battalion (6IV) in Buayan village, Datu Piang, Maguindanao del Sur.
Lieutenant Colonel Al Victor Burkley, 6IB commander, presented the 16 BIFF surrenderers to Brigadier General Edgar Catu, 601st Infantry Brigade commander and their firearms.
The 4CRG said each of the 16 BIFF surrenderers turned over a high-powered firearm.
Of the 16 BIFF surrenderers, 12 of them are from the municipality of Salibo, three from Datu Saudi Ampatuan, and one from Shariff Saydona Mustapha.
The surrenderers received financial assistance, rice, and agricultural products from the Maguindanao del Sur Provincial Government, Ministry of Public Order and Safety, Ministry of Social Service and Development, and Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
"We would like to thank the PNP, local government units and stakeholders who actively support our continued efforts for peace and development in the town of Maguindanao del Sur," Catu said in a statement.
Major General Donald Gumiran, Joint Task Force Central and 6th Infantry Division commander, urged the remaining members of the BIFF to return to society, cease armed activities, and live in peace. (SunStar Zamboanga)