CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – The Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) suffers another major setback as 12 BIFF combatants surrender to local government leaders of Datu Salibo, Maguindanao and Joint Task Force Central (JTF Central) forces and was presented at the Headquarters of the 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade, Barangay Kamasi, Ampatuan, Maguindanao on the morning of December 17, 2021.
Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, Commander of Joint Task Force Central and 6th Infantry Division, disclosed that the said surrender was realized thru the joint efforts of the community and Local Government Unit of Datu Salibo, Maguindanao; military forces coming from the 1st Mechanized Battalion and 6th Infantry Battalion; and police forces coming from PPO-Maguindanao and PRO-BARMM.
“The 12 former BIFF combatants belong to Bungos-Faction who likewise turned over 10 high-powered firearms which includes one (1) Cal .50 Machine Gun, one (1) 5.56mm M16 Ultimax Rifle, our (4) 7.62mm M14 Rifles, one (1) Mauser Sniper Rifle, and three (3) 7.62mm Sniper Rifles,” said Col. Pedro Balisi, Commander of 1st Mechized Brigade.
The former BIFF combatants are set to receive livelihood assistance and packages based on their respective needs as part of the AGILA-HAVEN Program of Maguindanao Province. For this year alone, the program has catered to almost 300 former BIFF and Daulah Islamiya members who have decided to return to the folds of the law in Maguindanao Province.
“Our efforts along with the community and the LGU prove to be effective, as influx of surrenders has been recorded in Maguindanao. The AGILA-HAVEN Program and the relentless focused military operation of the JTF Central forces gave these former BIFF and DI members the realization that peace is a better option together with their families,” stressed by Maj. Gen. Uy while continuing the call to the remaining BIFF and DI members who are still in hiding to surrender and lay down their arms.
“Your government would like to help you start a new life with your family. We have the program that is ready to assist you to become an active of the community that has sustainable livelihood and income. Ngayon na ang panahon para matamasa ninyo ang napakagandang programa na ito. Sana ay huwag ninyo sayangin ang opportunidad para makapagbagong buhay kasama ang inyong mga pamilya (Now is the time for all of you to enjoy this very comprehensive program. Don’t waste this opportunity for all of you to have a new life together with your families),” Maj. Gen Uy added.
Currently, the 12 former BIFF combatants are under the custody of JTF Central for de-briefing and processing of their JAPIC prior to being enrolled under the AGILA-HAVEN Program.
