COTABATO CITY: Three more members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) surrendered and handed over their firearms to the troops of the 92nd Infantry Battalion on September 14.
They were subsequently presented to Brig. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio, commander of the 1st Brigade Combat Team at Old Capitol, Barangay Satan, Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao.
According to Brig. Gen. Patrimonio, the former violent extremists identified as a.k.a. Nasser/Abbang, a.k.a. Munib, and a.k.a. Bensar were members of the BIFF Karialan and Bungos Factions. They handed over one 7.62mm Sniper rifle, one 5.56mm Ultimax Sub-Machine Gun, and one rocket-propelled grenade.
The presentation of surrendered personalities was witnessed by Shariff Aguak Councilor Datukun Malaguial; Datu Hoffer Councilor Akas Ampatuan, and Municipal Peace and Order Council (MPOC) Focal Person of Datu Unsay municipality Carlobon Peries.
During the activity, the LGUs of Shariff Aguak; Datu Hoffer; and Datu Unsay, all of Maguindanao, handed over financial assistance to the trio.
Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, commander of Joint Task Force Central commended the troops and the LGU for the good aftermath of their strong collaboration and coordination.
Likewise, Maj. Gen. Generoso Ponio, acting commander of Western Mindanao Command said the breakthrough in the campaign against terrorism and violent extremism is attributable to the holistic approach embraced by the AFP and the unwavering support of the communities.
Subject personalities are currently undergoing custodial debriefing at the 92IB headquarters at Hill 150, Barangay Meta, Datu Unsay, Maguindanao.
They will subsequently be enrolled in the reintegration program of the government.
JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL
PHILIPPINE MUSLIM TODAY 