Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) in its report said that of the 39 who surrendered, 21 were from the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF)- Bungos Faction, 12 from the BIFF-Karialan Faction, and six from the Daulah Islamiyah-Turaife Group.
Major General Juvymax Uy, Joint Task Force (JTF) Central said the massive surrender of local terrorists was facilitated by their team from 601st Infantry Brigade; 6th Infantry Battalion; the 4th Brigade, Field Guard, Base Command National Guard Front, and MILF-BIAF led by Datu Rhenz Tukuran.
The former violent extremists also yielded a total of 37 firearms including three 5.56mm M16A1 rifles, three caliber 30 M1 Garand rifles, two 7.62mm M14 rifles, two caliber 30 converted to M14 rifles, one 5.56mm M653 Carbine, three 5.56mm rifles, eleven 7.62mm Sniper rifles, two caliber 50 Barrett Sniper rifles, and two rocket-propelled grenade launchers.
They also surrendered four 40mm M79 grenade launchers, two 60mm mortar, one cal. 30 Bolt Action rifle, one cal. 30 Carbine , four rocket-propelled grenade high explosive ammunition, one 105mm projectile, one rocket warhead, 2.75 inch rocket warhead, three Sidik RPG, five rounds 40mm HE AVACOR cartridges, and five improvised explosive devices
They were presented to Uy and Maguindanao Governor Bai Mariam Mangudadatu who was represented by AGILA-HAVEN Focal Person Roger Dionisio.
Uy revealed that some of the surrenderers are field commanders and high-ranking officers of the three local terrorist groups mentioned.
“We are happy that they finally decided to come out and surrender together with their followers. They will receive livelihood assistance to be catered by the AGILA-HAVEN program of the province of Maguindanao,” Uy said.
WestMinCom chief Lieutenant General Alfredo Rosario commended the troops of JTF Central led by Uy for this laudable accomplishment.
He also thanked local chief executives, and stakeholders.
“This massive surrender of former combatants proves that we are winning the war against terrorism and insurgency in our area of operation. If this will continue, we will soon be able to dismantle the terror groups and put an end to the threats posed by these menaces of society,” Rosario said.
Rosario hopes that those who are still hiding will decide to surrender and join government as they walk the path towards peace and development in Mindanao.
Photos: Western Mindanao Command PIO
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