At least nine alleged former local terrorists surrendered to the military in Maguindanao del Norte.

According to the 6th Infantry Division (6ID), eight were former members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) while the other was a former member of the Dawlah Islamiyah Group.

The military said among those who surrendered is alias “Tata,” son of a BIFF founder.

The nine also turned over their firearms, including rifles and a mortar, to authorities.

6ID and Joint Task Force Central Commander, Major General Jose Vladimir Cagara, lauded the former terrorists for deciding to return to the fold of the law and turn over a new leaf.

“Ang kanilang pagbabalik-loob ay patunay na mas pinipili na ngayon ng marami ang kapayapaan kaysa karahasan. Patuloy na nananawagan ang 6ID at JTF Central sa lahat ng nalalabing kasapi ng mga armadong grupo na samantalahin ang pagkakataong ito—may puwang ang pagbabago, may pag-asa ang pagbabagong-buhay, at may suporta ang pamahalaan para sa isang mapayapa at marangal na kinabukasan,” Cagara said.