At least 13 former members of local terrorist groups have surrendered to authorities in Maguindanao del Sur and North Cotabato.

According to the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR), six former combatants of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF)-Karialan faction surrendered on January 27, 2025.

The former combatants also turned over their firearms, including a homemade sniper barret, M1 Garand, M79 grenade launcher, homemade RPG, Uzi, and a shotgun.

PRO-BAR said the surrender was a result of relentless operations and negotiations by government forces to neutralize the BIFF in the area.

Police said they will continue to monitor the activities of the six to ensure that they will not go back to their group.

Meanwhile, seven other members of a local terrorist group also returned to the folds of the law in Midsayap, North Cotabato on January 28.

According to the 6th Infantry Division, the seven also handed over their weapons, including rifles, grenade launchers, and ammunition.

"Ang inyong ginawa ay isang hakbang tungo sa kapayapaan at kaunlaran. Nagpapasalamat ang buong JTF Central sa inyong naging desisyon at umaasa kami sa positibong epekto na ibibigay nito sa inyong komunidad,” 6ID Commander, Brigadier General Donald Gumiran, said.