MANILA — Three suspected members of extremist groups have surrendered to authorities in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said on Monday, March 16.

NBI Director Melvin A. Matibag presented the individuals, who are alleged members of the Karialan faction of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and Dawlah Islamiyah (DI) operating in the area.

“This successful surrender demonstrates that even those who have once taken the path of armed extremism can still choose peace,” Matibag said, adding that the agency supports government programs that offer safe avenues for individuals leaving violent groups.

According to the NBI, the three were extracted from Mamasapano on March 14 by operatives from the NBI-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (NBI-BARMM), in coordination with the NBI Central Mindanao Regional Office, NBI-Sarangani District Office, the NBI Counter Terrorism Division, and partner security units.

The individuals also surrendered several firearms and explosives, including a .50 caliber Barrett rifle, an M79 grenade launcher, an M203 grenade launcher tube, a Mosin rifle with magazine, and two rounds of 7.62 live ammunition.

The bureau said intelligence indicated the surrendering individuals sought a secure and neutral channel due to fears of retaliation from remaining BIFF and DI members. NBI operatives conducted a protective extraction to ensure the safety of both the individuals and the operational team.