5 BIFF gunmen yield to Army, get livelihood
Mindanao Peace Process • 14:00 PM Fri Jul 19, 2019
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By:
Edwin O. Fernandez
COTABATO CITY – After a week-long negotiation, five members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) surrendered Thursday to military authorities in Talitay, Maguindanao and handed over assorted high-powered firearms.
Major Gen. Diosdado Carreon, the commander of the 6th Infantry Division, said the rebels surrendered to the Army’s 90th Infantry Battalion of the 601st Infnatry Brigade.
In turn over ceremonies attended by Talitay Mayor Allan Sabal held in Barangay Midtimbang, Datu Anggal Midtimbang municipality, the rebels brought along with them two cal .30 Garand Rifles, one homemade 60mm mortar and ammunition, one Rocket Propelled Grenade launcher and ammunition and one cal .45 pistol.
Carreon said Sabal was instrumental in the surrender of the BIFF members.
“The former BIFF members decided to go back to the folds of the law because of the hardships they experienced fighting the government and because of their desire to live normally as farmers and fishermen together with their families,” Carreon said in a statement.
After their surrender, the former BIFF fighters received livelihood and housing assistance order for them to start new life.
Colonel Jose H Narciso, 601st brigade commander, has called on the remaining BIFF members to surrender and lay down their arms so that peace can be achieved in Mindanao and for them to be with their families.
Carreon was also optimistic more BIFF men will follow suit.