Up to 17 armed individuals, including a commander, have surrendered and turned over war materials to the military in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat.

According to the 7th Infantry Battalion, the surrender was a result of the efforts of government forces to ensure public safety in the community where tension sparked due to “rido” or clan war.

It can be recalled that two armed individuals were killed when government troops responded to a clan war between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in Barangay Lagandang, Isulan a week prior.

Those who surrendered also handed over their firearms, including 19 M16A1 rifles, six M14 rifles, three Bushmaster carbine, an M60 machine gun, caliber .50 heavy machine gun, three AK47 rifles, an M203 grenade launcher, and several ammunition.

More high-powered guns, explosives, ammunition, and other war materials were also found when the troops were patrolling the mountainous area.

The military said they will continue to protect the community against violence caused by clan war that has forced civilians to evacuate.

“Patuloy naming sisikaping makuha ang lahat ng mga loose firearms na nagdudulot ng karahasan sa lugar. Hinihikayatnaming ang lahat na agad magsumbong sa mga awtoridad kung may mga makikitang tao na nagdadala ng armas na di otorisado,” Major Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, commander of the 6thInfantry Division, said.