The government’s ongoing peace-building efforts resulted to the voluntary surrender of 11 members of the Local Terrorist Group (LTG) on September 5, 2024, at the 90th Infantry Battalion Headquarters in Barangay Ladtingan, Pikit, North Cotabato.
In collaboration with the 90th Infantry Battalion (6ID, PA), CTIC NICA, 46MICO, MIG12, 6CMO Battalion, 41st SAC (4th SAB, PNP SAF), and Pikit Municipal Police Station, the 11 members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters-Karialan Faction (BIFF-KF) under alias “Marines” laid down their arms.
Surrendered along with them were five Garand rifles, one M14 rifle, one Barrett rifle, one RPG with two ammunition rounds, one M79 grenade launcher with two 40mm ammunition rounds, one caliber .45 pistol, one fragmentary grenade, and three improvised grenades.
These former LTG members were presented to BGen Donald M. Gumiran, Philippine Army, Brigade Commander of the 602nd Infantry Brigade;LtC Rowel E. Gavilanes, INF (GSC) PA, Commanding Officer of the 90th Infantry Battalion; PLtCol Romeo M. Calamba, Chief of Police of Pikit Municipal Police Station; Hon. Sumulong K. Sultan, Mayor of Pikit, Cotabato; Hon. Salik P. Mamasabulod, Mayor of Pagalungan, Maguindanao Del Sur; Hon. Ohto C. Montawal, Mayor of Datu Montawal, Maguindanao Del Sur; and Hon. Riduan P. Makatidtang, OIC Vice Mayor of Ligawasan, SGA-BARMM, during a formal program at the 90th Infantry Battalion Headquarters.
The surrenderers received cash and rice assistance from the aforementioned municipal mayors and will undergo custodial debriefing.
PBGen James E. Gulmatico, Officer-In-Charge, Police Regional Office 12, expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the collaborative efforts of stakeholders. โI extend my heartfelt gratitude to the local government units, the Philippine Army, and all agencies involved in this successful effort to bring these individuals back into the fold of the law. Police Regional Office 12 remains committed to providing all necessary support to help reintegrate these former combatants into society and foster peace in our communities.โ PBGen Gulmatico, accentuated.
