Manila: Nine extremists, including a former Dawlah Islamiya member and eight Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, have surrendered to the Philippine Army, military officials announced on Thursday. The group laid down their arms at the 1st Brigade Combat Team headquarters in Sultan Kudarat town.

According to Philippines News Agency, the group included the son of a former Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) spokesperson, known by the alias 'Tata.' Tata expressed a change of heart, stating, "I realized that our armed struggle through violence is getting us nowhere. What I decided now is to be with my family, live a normal life, and become a productive citizen."

The surrenderees handed over an Ultimax rifle, a Barrett sniper rifle, and other war materials to the authorities. They were formally presented to Colonel Rommel Pagayon, the acting commander of the 1st Brigade Combat Team. Colonel Pagayon remarked that the ex-members, who previously operated in Maguindanao del Sur, chose to surrender after witnessing their peers living peacefully with their families.

Major General Jose Vladimir Cagara, commander of the 6th Infantry Division, commended the group's decision to abandon their armed struggle. "Your decision to lay down guns and pursue a peaceful and meaningful life was the right decision because you will be with your family 24/7," Cagara commented.