Camp Siongco, Maguindanao – Thirteen (13) former violent extremists belonging to Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF)-Karialan Faction voluntarily surrendered to 40th Infantry Battalion in President Quirino, Sultan Kudarat on the morning of August 6, 2021.
Lt. Col. Edwin Alburo, 40IB Battalion Commander, presented the 13 former violent extremists along with 13 firearms which includes three (3) M14 Rifles, two (2) M79 Grenade Launchers, two (2) RPG Launchers, two (2) 9mm Sub-Machinegun, one (1) Thomson Rifle, one (1) M1 Garand Rifle, one (1) EDDYS US Rifle, and one (1) Cal.50 Sniper Rifle with several rounds of ammunition.
“With the relentless manhunt of our security forces against the members of this violent extremist group coupled with the comprehensive Maguindanao Province psycho-social program for those who wish to surrender dubbed as “AGILA-HAVEN” Program, these 13 former extremists decided to live a peaceful life with their loved-ones by surrendering to the government,” Brig. Gen. Roy Galido expressed, as he applauded the combined effort of the LGU and other government agencies in ensuring the safe and unhampered surrender of the former violent extremists.
Major General Juvymax Uy, Joint Task Force Central and 6ID Commander lauded the efforts of 40IB, 601Bde, Municipality of President Quirino, and the Provincial Government of Maguindanao in convincing the former violent extremists to embrace peace and live with their families normally.
This surrender came a week after the surrender of another group of former violent extremists in Maguindanao which raised the total number of surrendered to 96 former violent extremists since January of this year.
It can also be recalled a month ago when the Provincial Government of Maguindanao spearheaded by Gov. Bai Mariam Sangki-Mangudadatu distributed the last batch of former violent extremists who are recipients of livelihood grants under the AGILA-HAVEN Program of Maguindanao. Since 2019, the AGILA-HAVEN Program have already distributed various grants to 211 former violent extremists who decided to yield to the government.
“We encourage the other members of the said group to surrender and lay down their arms and accept the offer of the government. Never be afraid to surrender, the JTF Central and the Local Government Units of Maguindanao are always willing to support and help you”, the JTF Central Commander added.
