Mamasapano: Three individuals linked to the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and Dawlah Islamiyah (DI) surrendered during an operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao del Sur, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said on Monday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the operation was executed by NBI-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (NBI-BARMM) in collaboration with the NBI Central Mindanao Regional Office (NBI-CEMRO), NBI-Sarangani District Office (NBI-SARDO), NBI Counter Terrorism Division (NBI-CTD), and other partner security units. This action followed intelligence information suggesting that certain individuals associated with extremist groups in the area intended to cease armed activities and surrender to authorities.

The individuals sought a channel for surrender due to fears of possible retaliation from remaining BIFF and DI elements in the area, prompting authorities to conduct an extraction operation to ensure the safety of both the surrendering individuals and the operational team.

The subjects who voluntarily surrendered were reportedly members of the BIFF/DI Karialan faction operating in Mamasapano.

The NBI recovered several high-powered firearms and weapons, including a Barrett rifle (.50 caliber), an M79 grenade launcher, an M203 Grenade Launcher Tube, a Mosin rifle with a magazine, and two rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition.

NBI Director lawyer Melvin Matibag commended the operating units for the successful and peaceful outcome of the operation. He emphasized that the successful surrender demonstrates that even those who have once taken the path of armed extremism can still choose peace.

Matibag stated that the NBI remains committed to supporting government efforts that provide safe and lawful avenues for individuals who wish to abandon violence and reintegrate into society. He further stressed the importance of cooperation with partner security agencies and the community to continue working toward lasting peace and stability in the Bangsamoro region.