The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) continue to post major achievements in its internal security operations (ISO) with the surrender to government forces of 33 more Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) fighters in North Cotabato and Maguindanao, further depleting forces of the militant group.

Philippine Army spokesman, Lt. Col. Arnulfo Burgos, Jr. said 23 out of the 33 MILF members who surrendered yielded to government forces in North Cotabato, and the 10 others to the 75th Infantry Battalion (75IB) in Maguindanao.

Army records show this latest development brings to 396 the number of MILF who surrendered in 2009, which can be attributed to the different development and nation-building endeavors of the government.

Burgos said reports reaching the Army headquarters showed the MILF rebels from North Cotabato, under a certain “Commander Paron” also yielded 23 high-powered firearms.

They were officially turned over in a ceremony presided by Maj. Gen Alfredo Cayton, commander of the 602nd Brigade in Carmen, North Cotabato.

In another development, 10 MILF members also surrendered in barangay Kulambog, Sultan Barongis, Maguindanao. The group, led by a certain Ukay Simpal, surrendered with their firearms to the 75th IB.

Burgos said Simpal’s group was composed of nine members. They were identified as Takis Simpal, Kolong Simpal, Tres Languyon, Bots Amino, Ada Amil, Boy Amil, Kots Silogan, Nash Amil, and Joy Lules, all of whom voluntarily gave up to the local Army unit through the efforts of the Intelligence Operatives of 75h IB and the local government of Maguindanao.

“Renouncing the violent struggle they once embraced, they handed over three M14 rifles, two rocket-propelled grenades (RPG), one M79, one caliber .45 pistol, one caliber .38 revolver, two empty magazines for M14 rifles, ammunition for M79 and for RPG,” said Burgos.

The Army said more MILF members are expected to return to government fold, not just from the province, but throughout the country, as the armed forces continue to conduct its nation-building activities.

“With this considerable number of members lost by MILF, there is no doubt that the strength of the rebel group has fallen significantly. More surrenders are expected as a result of the peace and development initiatives of the AFP,” according to Burgos.