13 BIFF men surrender

MANILA, Philippines — Thirteen members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) have surrendered in Maguindanao del Norte, security officials confirmed yesterday.

The BIFF men, who were with the Karialan and Bungos factions, turned over their guns to Brig. Gen. Leodevic Guinid, commander of the First Brigade Combat Team, in Barangay Pigcayawan in Sultan Kudarat town on Thursday.

Maj. Andrew Linao, spokesman for the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), said five M14 sniper rifles, a caliber .50 Barrett sniper rifle, two 60mm mortar launchers, two rocket-propelled grenade launchers with ammunition, a 12-gauge shotgun and an M203 grenade launcher were turned over by the surrenderees.

The military said the former BIFF members would undergo debriefing and would be assisted by concerned local government units in their integration to civilian communities.

Westmincom chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido said the military would continue a diplomatic approach in its campaign to end lawless violence and demilitarize armed groups. — John Unson