14 BIFF combatants and 10 CTG members return to gov’t side and join society By PNP XII
A total of 14 members the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) Karialan Faction and 10 members of Communist Terrorists Groups (CTG) operating in the municipalities of Tampakan and T’boli in South Cotabato, voluntarily surrendered to government authorities on January 17, 26, and March 29, 2022. The return of the 24 indviduals to the fold of the law was in pursuit of a peaceful life in their chosen communities. The surrender of the combatants is the result of the sustained intelligence activities, diplomatic efforts, and strong campaign against terrorism and insurgency of the peacekeeping forces of the region coupled with the support of the local officials and the community. Recovered from the surrenderees were their high-powered firearms including explosive devices namely: six units 7.62 caliber Barret with magazine; two units M1 Garand rifle; one unit 50 caliber Barret; oneunit M16 5.56 rifle; one-unit M79 grenade launcher; one ultimax M16 rifle; three units improvised RPG launcher; two pieces of mug bomb; one unit improvised 60mm mortar; five pieces of Improvised Explosive Devices and one-unit homemade shotgun. All former rebels were in custody of the authorities together with their
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firearms and will undergo briefing and processing for their eventual reintegration to society. Police Major General (PMGen) Albert Ignatius Ferro, Director of the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) remarked that, “We are now experiencing the gradual death of the political ideologies of rebel groups, thanks to the genuine efforts of the government to restore normalcy.” He further assured that the entire police force will continue to work with the LGUs, concerned government agencies, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in convincing the remnants of armed rebel groups in Mindanao to give up on violence to achieve political goals. Meanwhile, PBGen Alexander C Tagum, Regional Director of Police Regional Office XII guaranteed that the former rebels will enjoy the privilege to live with safety and securely among the people of SOCCSKSARGEN. “PNP-PRO 12 commits to continue
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to work diligently to ensure that SOCCSKSARGEN will not only be a safe place to live and work, but also a community where residents can do business freely without the threat of illegal activities which endanger the economic growth of the region,” PBGenTagum said. (Consolidated from the news articles submitted by Police Regional Office XII)
