5 BIFF fighters surrender

COTABATO CITY — Five more local terrorists, all experts in making improvised bombs, surrendered to a Philippine Army unit in Datu Salibo, Maguindanao del Sur and vowed to reform for good in the presence of local officials and representatives from the Bangsamoro regional government.

The five members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) turned in their firearms and explosives to officials of the 48th Infantry Battalion led by Lieutenant Colonel Kenny Rae C. Tizon, before they renounced their membership in the BIFF during rites in the town center of Salibo on Tuesday.

Major General Donald M. Gumiran, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, told reporters on Wednesday local officials and Moro community elders had helped the 48th Infantry Brigade and Brigadier General Edgar L. Catu of the 601st Infantry Brigade in convincing the five terrorists to surrender. — John Felix M. Unson