Bandits, contract killers surrender in Maguindanao

COTABATO CITY, Philippines — Two men who admitted involvement in contract killings and five members of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) surrendered to authorities in Maguindanao yesterday.

The surrenderees, whose names were withheld, yielded assorted firearms including grenade launchers and an anti-tank rocket, according to Brig. Gen. Eden Ugale, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region police director.

The surrender was facilitated by Vice Mayor Herodin Guiamano of Datu Salibo town and the provincial police office.

The bandits renounced their membership with the BIFF during a simple ceremony held at Camp SK Pendatun in nearby Parang town, where the headquarters of the Bangasamoro Autonomous Region police is located.

The contract killers said some politicians had hired their services. The surrenderees received cash assistance and a bag of rice each.

Citing a report from Col. Jibin Bongcayao, chief of the Maguindanao police, Ugale said the bandits were followers of Kagui Karialan, leader of one of three factions of the BIFF.

Karialan is wanted for more than 30 criminal cases including his alleged involvement in deadly bombings in central Mindanao since 2014.

The BIFF had pledged allegiance to international terrorist organization Islamic State and was tagged in attacks on commercial establishments and public utilities.