COTABATO CITY – The Philippine Army said 9 pro-ISIS militants, including a commander, have surrendered in the troubled Muslim province of Maguindanao after their families convinced them to return to the fold of law.
The militants, all members of the radical group called Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, surrendered Friday to Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc, commander of the 33rd Infantry Battalion, in General Salipada K. Pendatun town, according to the 6th Infantry Division.
It said BIFF commander Banog arranged a meeting with Cabunoc to formalize their surrender. “Commander Banog said his family members were instrumental in convincing him to finally surface in the name of peace,” the army said.
The BIFF militants handed over two .50-caliber sniper rifles, three anti-tank rocket launchers, two rifles and two grenade launchers. Over 3 dozen BIFF militants had surrendered so far to the 6th Infantry Division the past 6 months.
BIFF leaders have pledged allegiance to the Islamic State and are fighting for a separate Muslim state or caliphate in the southern Philippines along with other pro-ISIS groups. (Mindanao Examiner)
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