Maguindanao norte: Three militants operating under local terrorist groups surrendered to the Philippine Marines here, turning over two 60mm mortar launchers and a rocket-propelled grenade launcher with one live round on Wednesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Marine Battalion Landing Team 2 (MBLT-2) stated that two of the extremists belonged to the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) under the Kagui Karialan faction, while one operated under the Dawlah Islamiya (DI)-Hassan Group.

The MBLT-2 revealed that the extremists' surrender was primarily due to combat fatigue, family pressure, and fear of continued military operations. Both the BIFF and DI have a history of violence including bomb-making, targeted killings, extortion, and terrorism, which has threatened the safety of civilians and military personnel.

The MBLT-2 further noted that DI-Hassan members are hiding in Barangay Barira, Barira, Maguindanao del Norte, although its base is in the marshland of Maguindanao del Sur. They are part of a group led by Emarudin Kulaw Kasan and his father, Mustapha Kasan. A military raid on March 17 resulted in the neutralization of four individuals, including Mustapha Kasan, although Emarudin escaped. His father's death reportedly triggered vows of revenge.

The surrenderers are now entering formal reintegration procedures and will receive government-supported livelihood assistance. As immediate aid, each received cash aid and a grocery package with rice, canned goods, and noodles, provided by MBLT-2 with stakeholders' support.