Friday Mar, 29 2024 02:22:32 AM

6 BIFF yield to Army in Maguindanao

Mindanao Armed Conflict • 05:15 AM Tue Jun 29, 2021
1
By: 
6th ID news release

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao - The relentless military operations in Maguindanao had forced six extremists belonging to Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) under the Bungos Faction to voluntarily surrender to JTF Central Forces on Monday afternoon, June 28, 2021, at Headquarters 6th Infantry Battalion, Barangay Buayan, Datu Piang, Maguindanao.

Datu Salibo Municipal Mayor Solaiman Sandigan facilitated the voluntary surrender of the 6 former extremists which were presented to Colonel Pedro Balisi, Commander of 1st Mechanized Brigade, and to Lieutenant Colonel Charlie Banaag, Commander of 6th Infantry Battalion.

Lt. Col. Banaag disclosed that the former extremists brought along six (6) high-powered firearms during their surrender which includes two (2) M16 A1 Rifles, one (1) M14 Rifle, three (3) caliber .30 Garand Rifles, and various ammunition and magazines of different calibers.

“The recent surrender only shows that the BIFF members are starting to realize the lost cause of their group,” said Col. Balisi, adding that government forces will not stop from pursuing the remaining members of the said extremist group.

For the past months, the JTF Central has been continuously running after BIFF extremists who were responsible for the series of atrocities in Central Mindanao.

Most notable of these atrocities are the attack at Barangay Kitango, Datu Saudi Ampatuan Municipality on March 17, 2021, and the failed attack of Datu Paglas Municipal Public Market on May 8, 2021, wherein the extremist group suffered numerous casualties after series of armed clash with government forces.

Since then, the BIFF shifted its tactics by using Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) attacks against government forces and a civilian populace which has already killed 2 women and injured 1 other in Datu Saudi Ampatuan last April 28, and the most recent of which was the IED attack in Datu Hoffer, Maguindanao last June 22 which left a pregnant woman dead and her child injured.

Major General Juvymax Uy, Commander of JTF Central and 6th Infantry Division, called on the members of the BIFF and Dawlah Islamiya to voluntarily surrender to the government and enjoy a peaceful life with their families.

“The JTF Central along with the local governments of Central Mindanao are willing to accept you back to the folds of the law,” Maj. Gen. Uy expressed, emphasizing that many former extremists who have earlier surrendered have already enjoyed the benefits and assistance provided by the AGILA-HAVEN Program of the Province of Maguindanao and the DIWATA-HAVEN Program of North Cotabato.

Further Maj. Gen Uy emphasized that the JTF Central will not stop hunting down BIFF and Dawlah Islamiya extremists who refused to surrender.

 

UK: Bangsamoro one of world’s few successful peace processes

MANILA – The United Kingdom has hailed the creation of the Bangsamoro region as one of the world’s few successful peace processes as it joined...

Antipas LGU releases official list of victims of highway mishap

OFFICIAL list of victims of March 25, 2024 vehicular accident involving passenger van and cargo truck. The list is from the local government of...

Cotabato Light announces April 6 power service interruption

Cotabato Light announcement:  To all our valued customers, please be informed of the scheduled power interruption affecting a portion of...

BARMM has new police regional director

CAMP SK PENDATUN, Maguindanao Norte - Police Brig. Gen. Prexy Dugas Tanggawohn was installed as new police regional director for the Bangsamoro...

BARMM, Inter-Agency Teams implement OPLAN HARABAS, nets 1 conductor positive for drug use

COTABATO CITY - The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in the Bangamoro Region and police units in the city conducted on Tuesday "Oplan Harabas" in a...