Sultan kudarat: Eleven former combatants, including nine from the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and two from Dawlah Islamiyah, surrendered to the Army in Maguindanao del Norte on Monday. The individuals turned in 15 high-powered firearms, including two 60mm mortar tubes and three sniper rifles, during a ceremony at the First Brigade Combat Team headquarters.

According to Philippines News Agency, the former extremists were welcomed by Lt. Col. Florencio Zambo Taguba Jr., commander of the 6th Mechanized Infantry Battalion. The returnees wore shirts with the slogan ‘Bagong Simula, Bagong Pag-asa’ (New Beginning, New Hope), symbolizing their desire to reintegrate into society and seek a peaceful future with their families.

Col. Rommel Pagayon, acting brigade commander, mentioned that the surrender was part of the military’s Small Arms and Light Weapons Management Program. The program aims to reduce armed conflict by encouraging combatants to lay down their weapons in exchange for livelihood assistance and financial support from the government. The returnees expressed a strong desire to leave behind a life of violence and focus on rebuilding their connections with family and loved ones.