Fifteen (15) former members of a local terrorist group voluntarily surrendered to authorities in Maguindanao del Sur on June 19, 2026, in a development welcomed by military officials as a product of sustained peace and security efforts in Central Mindanao.
Lt. Gen. Donald M. Gumiran, Commander of the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM), AFP, commended the troops of the 90th Infantry (Bigkis-Lahi) Battalion, 601st Infantry (Unifier) Brigade, Joint Task Force Central, the Philippine National Police (PNP), local government units, and peace partners for their continued efforts in advancing peace and stability in the province.
The surrender took place in Barangay Kabengi, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur, facilitated by the 90th Infantry Battalion under the leadership of Lt. Col. Loqui O. Marco. The former armed group members voluntarily laid down their weapons and expressed support for the government’s peace and development initiatives.
They were later presented to Brig. Gen. Edgar L. Catu, Commander of the 601st Infantry (Unifier) Brigade, as part of ongoing government efforts to promote reconciliation, peacebuilding, and socio-economic development in conflict-affected areas.
Under the government’s Balik-Loob Program, assistance was extended through six local government units and their respective Municipal Police Stations within the 90IB Area of Operations. These include the municipalities of Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Datu Hoffer Ampatuan, Shariff Aguak, Ampatuan, Datu Unsay, and Datu Abdullah Sangki. The initiative was also supported by the Provincial Government of Maguindanao del Sur, the Maguindanao del Sur Provincial Police Office, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
The surrenderers also turned over a cache of firearms and war materiel, including high-powered rifles, shotguns, grenade launchers, a Uzi submachine gun, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Authorities said this supports ongoing efforts to reduce the number of loose firearms and prevent potential threats in local communities.
Lt. Gen. Gumiran said the development demonstrates the effectiveness of the Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-Nation approaches in addressing the root causes of armed conflict and encouraging combatants to return to peaceful civilian life.
“The voluntary surrender of these former armed group members reflects the growing confidence of our communities in government institutions and the increasing realization among former combatants that peace offers a better future than violence. I commend the troops of the 90th Infantry Battalion, the 601st Infantry Brigade, our local government leaders, the PNP, BARMM, and all stakeholders whose collaborative efforts continue to create pathways toward reconciliation, development, and lasting peace,” Gumiran said.
He added that the military will continue working closely with local government units, law enforcement agencies, BARMM ministries, OPAPRU, and community leaders to encourage remaining armed individuals to abandon violence and participate in reintegration programs.
Brig. Gen. Edgar L. Catu likewise said the surrender reflects the success of sustained inter-agency collaboration.
“The voluntary surrender of these former armed group members is proof that our collective efforts for peace are bearing fruit. Beyond being a security accomplishment, this is a victory of unity, trust, and giving our fellow Filipinos a second chance to live peacefully with their families. We will continue strengthening our partnerships with local government units, the PNP, BARMM, and other stakeholders to finally end armed conflict and achieve lasting peace and development in Maguindanao del Sur and the entire region,” Catu said.
Maj. Gen. Jose Vladimir R. Cagara, Commander of the 6th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Central, said the continued surrender of local terrorist group members reflects the effectiveness of government peace initiatives and counterinsurgency efforts.
“The continuing surrender of members of local terrorist groups reflects the effectiveness of the government’s Whole-of-Government Approach and the weakening of these groups following the neutralization of their leaders. With support from the PNP, local government units, and our peace partners, we continue to reach communities once affected by armed conflict. We encourage those who remain involved in armed activities to choose the path of peace and take advantage of the opportunities being offered by the government to rebuild their lives and secure a better future for their families,” Cagara said.
Authorities said the surrender marks continued momentum in peacebuilding efforts in Central Mindanao, reinforcing government initiatives to end armed conflict and strengthen stability in affected communities.