By Benjamin Pulta
MANILA – Three individuals linked to the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and Dawlah Islamiyah (DI) surrendered during an operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao del Sur on March 14, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said on Monday.
In a statement, the agency said the operation was carried out by NBI-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (NBI-BARMM) personnel in coordination with the NBI Central Mindanao Regional Office (NBI-CEMRO), NBI-Sarangani District Office (NBI-SARDO), NBI Counter Terrorism Division (NBI-CTD), and partner security units following intelligence information indicating that certain individuals affiliated with extremist groups operating in the area had expressed their intention to disengage from armed activities and surrender to government authorities.
The individuals sought a channel for surrender due to fears of possible retaliation from remaining BIFF and DI elements in the area, prompting authorities to conduct an extraction operation to ensure the safety of both the surrendering individuals and the operational team.
The subjects who voluntarily surrendered were reportedly members of the BIFF/DI Karialan faction operating in Mamasapano.
The NBI recovered several high-powered firearms and weapons, including one Barrett rifle (.50 caliber), one M79 grenade launcher, one M203 Grenade Launcher Tube, one Mosin rifle with a magazine, and two rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition.
NBI Director lawyer Melvin Matibag commended the operating units for the successful and peaceful outcome of the operation.
“This successful surrender demonstrates that even those who have once taken the path of armed extremism can still choose peace,” he said.
Matibag said the NBI remains committed to supporting government efforts that provide safe and lawful avenues for individuals who wish to abandon violence and reintegrate into society.
“Through cooperation with our partner security agencies and the community, we will continue to work toward lasting peace and stability in the Bangsamoro region,” he said. (PNA)
