Seven Moro terrorists surrender in Mindanao

Their names are withheld for security reasons.

Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters terror group members surrender with their firearms to the Philippine Army in Maguindanao del Sur province on Mar 26, 2023. (Westmincom pic)

MAGUINDANAO DEL SUR: Seven members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) terror group have yielded to the Philippine military in the southern Maguindanao del Sur province 

The surrender took place Mar 26 at the 33rd Infantry Battalion (33IB) headquarters in Radjah Buayan municipality, said the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) in a statement. 

According to Joint Task Force Central Commander, Maj. Gen. Alex Rillera, the surrender of the seven BIFF personalities is a result of the continuing efforts of 33IB under Lt. Col. Udgie Villan to clear their area of operation from the traces of terrorism. 

Villan identified the surrendered personalities as former members of the BIFF-Karialan faction under the late Commander Motorola. Their names were not revealed for security reasons. 

The former violent extremists turned over one cal. 30 M1 Garand Springfield Armoury, one cal. 7.62mm rifle with a magazine, two 9mm Uzis with magazines, three improvised explosive devices and one clip of cal. 30 M1 Garand ammunition. 

Westmincom chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido urged the remaining members of terror groups to surrender and take advantage of the government’s reintegration programmes that will allow them to live peacefully and become productive members of society. 

“Rest assured that together with our partners from the National Task Force to End Local Armed Conflict, we will give our full support to those who returned to the fold of the law," said Galido. 

"We will walk with them as they begin a new life and reunite with their families and loved ones." 

The surrendered militants and firearms are currently under the custody of 33IB for proper disposition.