60 MILF rebels surrender in Maguindanao

By MARK NAVALES COTABATO CITY – In their desire to lead a normal life, 60 members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) laid down their guns and surrendered to the Army’s 602nd Infantry Brigade in Maguindanao province. Pendi Ampatuan alyas Commander Baygon, head of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF)-MILF, together with 60 followers, surrendered 40 firearms and bowed to return to the folds of the law. Ampatuan commanded the National Guard Division of the 110th Ground Base Command of the MILF which operates in Maguindanao and Cotabato provinces. The surrender was accepted by Col. Ruperto Pabustan, head of the 602nd IB and Lt. Col John Oswald Buco, 40th IB commander. Mediamen who covered the surrender said the chairman of Barangay Bagoinged in Pagalungan, Maguindanao negotiated for the surrender of Ampatuan and his men. The rebels surrendered one Caliber .30 machinegun, three rifle-propelled grenade launcher and an assortment of M-16, M-14, M-203, Carbine, 12 gauge shotguns and several handguns. Maj. Gen. Agustin Dema-ala, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division said, “They (surrenderees) are not recycled. We have the records of those who surrendered before. The residents of Montawal can testify that they are active members of the MILF." However, MILF spokesperson Eid Kabalu said those who surrendered were not regular members of the front. He said the returnees were armed followers of Montawal town Association of Barangay Captain president Mohammad Anduy.-GMANews.TV