By Edwin Fernandez

SURRENDER CEREMONY. Former members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters receive initial government assistance after surrendering in Datu Salibo, Maguindanao del Sur on Wednesday (May 7, 2025). Brig. Gen. Edgar Catu (inset photo) inspected the surrendered firearms in the presence of local officials. (Photo from the 601st Infantry Brigade)

COTABATO CITY – Five members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) surrendered with their weapons in Maguindanao del Sur on Wednesday, marking another victory for the military’s peace initiative in Central Mindanao.

The group, led by Muhamidin Panegas, pledged allegiance to the Philippine flag at the 48th Infantry Battalion headquarters in Datu Salibo town.

They turned over five high-powered firearms, including a .50-caliber rifle, to Lt. Col. Kenny Rae Tizon.

“Laying our guns peacefully is a long-time dream, so we decided to rejoin our families and loved ones by embracing peace,” Panegas said in the vernacular.

Tizon credited the “whole-of-nation approach” for convincing rebels to surrender.

More than 1,000 firearms have been yielded in Central Mindanao since January. (PNA)