TWO members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) have surrendered to the government authorities in the province of Maguindanao, the military reported Sunday.
Brigadier General Roberto Capulong, 602nd Infantry Brigade commander, identified the surrenderers as Tawali Puaya alias Ryan Tumagantang, and Puaya Tumagantang, both followers of the BIFF-Karialan faction.
Capulong said the two surrendered Friday when the troops of the 34th Infantry Battalion (IB) launched a law enforcement operation against Razul Dubpaleg and his cohorts in Katidtuan village, Kabuntalan, Maguindao.
Capulong said they turned over one locally made 7.62-milimeter (MM) Sniper Rifle and one improvised explosive device (IED) made of 105-mm howitzer projectile with secondary charge of five 40-mm projectile.
Major General Diosdado Carreon, Joint Task Force Central commander, said the troops remain steadfast in ending terrorism in Central Mindanao for the sake of the future generations.
The two BIFF-surrenders were presented to the municipal government officials of Kabuntalan after which they were brought to 34th IB headquarters for custodial debriefing.
Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), said more pressure will be instigated by the troops to force the enemies to yield rather than be neutralized in armed confrontations.
“It is better to end terrorism in a peaceful way and without a single bloodshed.” Sobejana added. (SunStar Philippines)