Pampanga: A Moro extremist surrendered with his rifle to military authorities this week following a leaflet-dropping operation in Maguindanao del Sur, the Army reported Wednesday. Sala Guiaman Guiamadel, a member of an extremist group, turned himself and an M16 rifle in to the Army's 601st Infantry Brigade, the command said in a statement. Brig. Gen. Edgar Catu, the brigade commander, along with Mamasapano Mayor Akmad A. Ampatuan Jr., welcomed Guiamadel's surrender.

According to Philippines News Agency, on Sunday, Philippine Air Force helicopters dropped leaflets urging members of the Dawlah Islamiyah and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters to surrender and accept government peace offers. Catu said the mission was non-combative and aimed to counter misinformation.

Maj. Gen. Vladimir Cagara, the Army's 6th Infantry Division commander, praised the surrender and urged other militants to follow. In a separate event Wednesday in Datu Anggal Midtimbang town, local officials and residents turned over eight high-powered firearms to the military as part of a disarmament program. Town Mayor Nathaniel Midtimbang pledged continued support for the initiative, saying it benefits community peace.

Source: Philippines News Agency