10 Former Local Terrorists Surrender in Maguindanao del Sur, Turn Over High-Powered Weapons
CAMP SIONGCO, Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte — Ten former members of local violent extremist groups have voluntarily surrendered to government forces in Maguindanao del Sur, turning over high-powered weapons in what military officials described as a significant boost to ongoing peace and security efforts in the Bangsamoro region.
The surrender took place on February 10, 2026, at the headquarters of the 90th Infantry (Bigkis-Lahi) Battalion in Barangay Kabengi, Datu Saudi Ampatuan. Alongside their decision to return to the fold of the law, the former combatants handed over ten weapons of war, including two 60-millimeter mortars—arms considered capable of inflicting large-scale harm on civilian communities if left in the hands of armed groups.
According to the Philippine Army, the surrender was voluntary and followed months of sustained dialogue, community engagement, and localized peace initiatives involving the military, local government units, and peace partners in Maguindanao del Sur.
Lt. Col. Loqui O. Marco, commanding officer of the 90th Infantry Battalion, said the former extremists had come to realize that armed struggle offered no future for themselves or their families.
“They recognized that violence only leads to loss and instability,” Marco said. “Their decision to surrender reflects a growing understanding that peace, not armed conflict, is the only path toward a dignified and sustainable life within their communities.”
The former combatants were formally presented to Brig. Gen. Edgar L. Catu, commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade, during a ceremony attended by military, police, and local government officials. As part of the government’s reintegration program, the returnees received immediate assistance, including cash aid, rice, and livelihood support.
The assistance was jointly provided by MPOS-BARMM and the local governments of Shariff Aguak, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Datu Unsay, Datu Hoffer, and Datu Abdullah Sangki—an approach officials say underscores the importance of local government involvement in sustaining peace efforts beyond the battlefield.
Brig. Gen. Catu described the surrender as a powerful symbol of transformation and courage.
“The return of our fellow Filipinos to the path of peace is a reminder that change is always possible,” he said. “This is not just about laying down arms. It is about choosing family, community, and a peaceful future over fear and destruction.”
Several local officials witnessed the ceremony, including Datu Saudi Ampatuan Mayor Bassir D. Utto; Vice Mayor Moadz Alim; Datu Hoffer Councilor Harris Ampatuan; and Datu Abdullah Sangki Vice Mayor Samsodhen Sangki. Also present were representatives from civil agencies and law enforcement, among them PCPT Argie Eyana, chief of police of Datu Unsay.
Officials said the presence of both civilian and security leaders reflected a whole-of-government and whole-of-community approach to peacebuilding—one that emphasizes trust-building and long-term stability rather than purely military solutions.
In a separate statement, Maj. Gen. Jose Vladimir R. Cagara, commander of Joint Task Force Central and the 6th Infantry Division, hailed the surrender as a collective victory for the region.
“This is a win not only for the security sector but for every community that stands to benefit from peace and order,” Cagara said. “Our continuing efforts are aimed at protecting civilians and creating conditions where development can take root.”
He also renewed his call for other armed individuals to follow the same path. “We urge those who remain in the mountains to surrender, turn over their firearms, and live peacefully with dignity alongside their families. The doors of the government remain open.”
Military officials emphasized that voluntary surrender plays a crucial role in reducing violence and preventing future attacks. By removing weapons from circulation and reintegrating former fighters into civilian life, authorities say they are addressing both the immediate security risks and the deeper social drivers of extremism.
Under existing government programs, former combatants undergo profiling, psychosocial interventions, and skills training to prepare them for civilian livelihoods. These measures are designed to prevent recidivism and ensure that returnees can become productive members of society.
Local leaders echoed this view, stressing that sustainable peace depends on economic opportunity as much as security.
“Surrendering weapons is only the first step,” one local official said. “What truly keeps peace alive is access to jobs, education, and basic services. When families are stable, communities are stable.”
In the broader Bangsamoro context, the incident highlights a gradual shift away from purely kinetic military operations toward community-centered security and development. Areas once marked by recurring violence are increasingly becoming focal points for dialogue, livelihood programs, and grassroots peacebuilding initiatives.
The surrender also comes amid continued efforts by the Philippine government and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to consolidate gains following decades of conflict. Officials say that each successful reintegration strengthens public confidence and weakens the appeal of extremist narratives.
As peace and security operations continue, the 6th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Central said they would maintain close coordination with local governments, police units, and civil society organizations to monitor the reintegration process and ensure community safety.
“Peace is not achieved overnight,” Maj. Gen. Cagara said. “It is built step by step, choice by choice. Every firearm surrendered, every life redirected toward peace, brings us closer to a safer and more prosperous Bangsamoro.”
For residents of Maguindanao del Sur, the voluntary surrender of ten former extremists—and the removal of heavy weapons from circulation—stands as a rare but hopeful signal: that even in areas long scarred by conflict, reconciliation remains possible, and a quieter future is within reach.