Seven members of a group of allegedly violent extremists turned themselves over to the 601st infantry brigade in Maguindanao del Sur, while five towns in the province collected various sorts of arms.

In a Monday report by RH Jun Dimacutac, this extremist group has been involved in violence in the past, having had gunfights with soldiers and policemen in the province. They voluntarily surrendered, saying they wished to support the government’s campaign for peace and security.

The seven surrendered to the leadership of the 90th Infantry Battalion led by LtCol. Loqui O. Marco and were formally presented to 601st Infantry Brigade head BGen. Edgar Catu.

Meanwhile, in compliance with the Balik Baril program, the local government units (LGUs) of five towns in Maguindanao del Sur turned over various types of arms gathered from their constituent barangays.

The mayors of Datu Hoffer, Datu Unsay, Datu Saudi, Datu Abdullah Sangki, and Ampatuan declared their commitment to pursuing peace and progress in the province, led by Governor Datu Ali Midtimbang and Vice Governor Hisham Nando Sampu.

The collection and turnover of arms and surrender of the seven armed men through the collaboration among the military, LGUs, and line agencies positively impacts the province’s economic growth, according to 6th Infantry Division MGen. Vladimir Cagara.