In a significant development for peace and security in Mindanao, nine members of local terrorist groups have chosen to lay down their arms and return to the fold of the law.
A Voluntary Surrender for Peace
The voluntary surrender took place in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte, on Wednesday, December 17. The group presented themselves to the troops of the 1st Brigade Combat Team (1BCT). The military officially announced the event on Friday, December 19.
The surrenderees consisted of one member of the Dawlah Islamiya (DI) and eight from the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF). Among them was a figure known by the alias "Tata," identified as the son of the late founder of the BIFF. In a statement to the troops, Tata expressed a firm and personal resolution to abandon armed conflict.
"I realized that the futile armed struggle is really pointless. What I want now is to be with my family, change my life, and live a peaceful and dignified life," Tata told the 1BCT personnel, highlighting a powerful personal transformation.
Turning Over Weapons, Embracing a New Future
The former combatants were formally presented to Colonel Rommel Pagayon, the acting commander of the 1BCT. As a tangible commitment to their new path, they surrendered a significant cache of firearms, which included:
- An Ultimax rifle
- A Barrett rifle
- A carbine
- An Ingram rifle
- An M16 rifle
- An M14 rifle
- A Garand rifle
- A mortar
- A Springfield rifle
This handover of weapons marks a concrete step towards reducing the capacity for violence in the region.
Military Leadership Hails Decision, Calls for More Surrenders
Major General Jose Vladimir Cagara, commander of the 6th Infantry Division (6ID) and Joint Task Force (JTF)-Central, praised the decision of the nine individuals. He stated that their surrender is clear evidence that a growing number are choosing peace over violence.
"Their surrender is proof that many now prefer peace to violence. 6ID and JTF-Central continue to call on all remaining members of armed groups to seize this opportunity—there is room for change, there is hope for revival, and there is government support for a peaceful and dignified future," Cagara emphasized.
He further assured that units under the 6ID, working alongside local government units and other agencies, remain ready to assist others who wish to reintegrate peacefully into their communities.
In related news, the 1BCT has concluded its mission in Central Mindanao and has been reassigned to Luzon. Major General Cagara extended his deep gratitude to the unit's officers and troops for their steadfast service and professionalism during a challenging deployment, noting their vital role in confronting terrorist threats and degrading violent extremist groups in the area.
