Latest news with #M653
GMA Network
12-07-2025
- GMA Network
11 alleged BIFF members surrender in Maguindanao del Sur
At least 11 alleged members of a Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF)-Bungos Faction have returned to the folds of the law in Maguindanao del Sur. According to the 90th Infantry Battalion, the former BIFF members also turned over their firearms during a ceremony on July 9, 2025. The firearms surrendered included an M653 rifle, an M203 grenade launcher, an M16 rifle, a caliber .50 Barret sniper rifle, a 7.62mm sniper rifle, an M1 Carbine, a 7.62mm single-shot muzzle, two M79 grenade launcher, two M1Garand rifles, and an 9mm Uzi. The military said the relentless military operations, hunger, and the appeals of their families and local officials pushed them to surrender and start a new life. As support for their reintegration, they were given cash assistance, grocery items, rice, corn seeds and other assistance from various agencies, local government units in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), and other peace advocacy partners. 601st Infantry Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Edgar Catu, said the surrender of the former BIFF memebrs is a testament to the renewed trust of the people in the ability of the government and local leaders to lead the community toward peace. 6ID Commander, Major General Donald Gumiran, also lauded the troops of the 90IB for the success and encouraged the remaining members of armed groups to seize the opportunity to turn over a new leaf while the doors of the government remain open for reintegration.
GMA Network
04-06-2025
- General
- GMA Network
4 suspected terrorists killed in Northern Samar clash
Four suspected members of the New People's Army were killed in a clash with state forces in Northern Samar, the Philippine Army (PA) 8th Infantry Division said Wednesday. According to the army, the encounter took place in Barangay Nagoocan, Catubig on June 3, Tuesday following reports that armed men were allegedly conducting extortion activities in the area. State forces also recovered three firearms following the encounter. The army said they are working to identify the suspected rebels and are coordinating with authorities to notify their families. Meanwhile, state forces discovered a cache of firearms and explosives in Barangay Roxas, Catubig on June 2. The PA said this is based on information by former rebels who are now under the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program after surrendering to authorities. Authorities recovered two M14 rifles, one M16 rifle, one M653 rifle, three improvised hand grenades, ammunition magazines, a bandolier, a pistol holster and medical paraphernalia. — Joahna Lei Casilao/BAP, GMA Integrated News
