BIFF commander, followers surrender
A Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) division commander and five of his followers surrendered to the military in Ampatuan, Maguindanao on Saturday morning.
“Based on the report from the ground, Abunawas Ibad Damiog, alyas Bayawak, 4th Division Commander/Deputy for Military of BIFF-Bungos Faction and five of his followers identified as Yasser Bago Abunawas, Anwar Alim Sangki, Olon Bago Abunawas, Mohammad Kanakan Ibad and Dihan Abdul Ali submitted themselves to 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade Commander Col. Pedro Balisi Jr. at the 1MechBde headquarters in Barangay Kamasi, Ampatuan around eight in the morning,” said AFP Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) chief Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr.
Upon surrender, the six handed over two 5.56 M16 rifles with two magazines; one 7.62 M14 rifle with one magazine; one M653 5.56 rifle with one magazine; one caliber 30 garand rifle and one locally made 50 caliber barrett with three ammunition.
“This feat is a result of the joint effort of the CIDG Maguindanao-BARMM, local government unit of Datu Piang headed by Mayor Victor Samama, the 6th Infantry Battalion led by Lt. Col. Charlie Banaag and the intelligence units,” said Col. Balisi.
During the initial debriefing, Damiog said he wants to live a peaceful life with his family and he got tired of following the orders of the top leaders without getting anything in return.
“Rest assured we will help them to go back to their normal lives by providing them with livelihood opportunities,” Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, commander of Joint Task Force Central (JTFC) said. “May the surrender of Damiog be an eye-opener to his followers.”
As of this date, a total of 42 BIFF personalities have already surrendered to the JTFC.
“WestMinCom continues to bolster its operations to end terrorism and win peace in its area of operation. We encourage the remaining members of the outlawed groups to end their armed struggle peacefully,” said Vinluan.
“Those who desire to return to the fold of the law are very much welcome and we ensure their safety and security during their reintegration into mainstream society.”