On July 9, 2025, the Philippine government in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) welcomed the voluntary surrender of 11 active members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF)—Bungos Faction in the town of Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur.
The former extremist group members were accommodated by the Police Regional Office BAR (PRO BAR) together with the 601st Brigade of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), where they received cash and livelihood assistance from the provincial government of Maguindanao del Sur and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR) BARMM.
Following their voluntary surrender, they also turned over several high-powered firearms, which included one M653 rifle; one M203 grenade launcher; one M16 rifle; one Cal. 50 Barrett sniper rifle; one 7.62mm sniper rifle; one M1 carbine; two M1 Garand rifles; one 7.62mm single-shot muzzle; one M79 grenade launcher; and one 9mm Uzi. This act symbolized their sincerity and full reintegration into the community and the Philippine government, as well as their commitment to the cause of peace.
According to them, the relentless operations of the police officers and military, coupled with poverty, hunger, and the appeal of their immediate families and local officials, prompted them to finally surrender and change their ways.
Their surrender stands as a testament of the government continuous efforts to address insurgency which made possible through the consistent collaboration between the military, police, and local government units. It reflects the effective implementation of government programs which enable former rebels to reintegrate into their respective communities and eventually become productive members of the society alongside their families and loved ones.
On July 18, Police Colonel Jemuel F. Siason, Deputy Regional Director for Operations, PRO BAR, under the supervision of Police Brigadier General Jaysen C. De Guzman, Regional Director, PRO BAR, attended the region’s Area Clearing Evaluation Board (ACEB) Meeting held at the 6th Infantry Division (ID) Conference Room in Camp BGen Gonzalo H. Siongco, Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte.
Facilitated by the 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division of the Philippine Army, the meeting was conducted to assess and validate the findings of the Area Clearing Team (ACET), pursuant to AFP-PNP Joint Letter Directive No. 3, series of 2024, which aims to harmonize inter-agency efforts in sustaining peace and strengthening internal security operations in the region.
Meanwhile, as the government continues to take bolder steps to improve peace and order and stability in BARMM, the police and military remain open to our brothers who wish to return to the fold of the law. Granting a second chance to former rebels to be part of our society once again is a crucial step toward the attainment of lasting peace and progress in our communities.
The government urges everyone, especially those who are still on the wrong path—our police and military are always ready to welcome and support you in your return to society, and in becoming part of the ongoing development for sustainable peace and order across BARMM.
