COTABATO CITY – Government efforts to win over extremist rebels gained momentum in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) recently with the surrender of 11 more Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF). Authorities identified the surrendered militants as including BIFF commanders Sindatok Dilna and Tasli Sanoy.
The two, together with nine followers, surrendered last Friday to Brig. Gen. Bismark Soliba, head of the 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade, following “back channel” negotiations. Gen. Soliba promptly presented the 11 BIFF fighters to Maguindanao Gov. Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu. In their statement, Dilna and Sanoy said they opted to lay down arms having gotten tired of life on the run. (Ali Macabalang)
