MAGUINDANAO, Philippines — More than 30 reforming former drug dependents are now one with authorities in addressing religious extremism in this province. The event was jointly organized by the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion and local officials in Ampatuan town in the second district of Maguindanao. “We appreciate the support to our security initiatives from former drug addicts now thriving in Ampatuan as law-abiding citizens,” Sobejana said on Saturday. More than 30 BIFF members surrendered in batches to the 6th ID since April last year, now being reintroduced to the local communities by the office of Maguindanao Gov. Sobejana said they are expecting the surrender soon of more BIFF gunmen through the intercession of provincial officials and local commanders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Source: Philippine Star February 23, 2019 10:07 UTC