Marines Secure Surrender of Former Moro Violent Extremists
PARANG, MAGUINDANAO DEL NORTE, Philippines — The Marines welcomed the surrender of three suspected terrorists on July 2, 2025, who handed over high-powered firearms. This significant event highlights ongoing efforts to foster peace through the collaboration between the military and former insurgents.
Among those who surrendered, two were members of a faction of the Islamic State-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) led by Kagi Karialan. The third was affiliated with the Dawlah Islamiyah (DI)-Hassan Group. Together, they turned in two 60mm mortar tubes and a rocket-propelled grenade launcher loaded with live ammunition to the Second Marine Battalion Landing Team (MBLT-2) headquarters in Barangay Nituan.
Reasons Behind the Surrender
According to local officials, the former combatants decided to surrender due to combat fatigue, pressure from their families, and fear of intensified military operations. Marine Lt. Col. John dela Cruz, commanding officer of MBLT-2, noted that these factors strongly influenced their decision to lay down arms.
Intelligence reports indicate that the DI-Hassan group members were hiding in Sitio Palau, Barangay Barira, Maguindanao del Norte. Although their base is primarily in the marshlands of Maguindanao del Sur, they operated under the leadership of Emarudin Kulaw Kasan, alias “Alpha King,” and his father Mustapha Kasan, alias “Abu Saiden.” Both are high-profile targets wanted for multiple murder and terror-related offenses.
Military Operations and Impact
A decisive military raid on March 17, 2025, led to the neutralization of Abu Saiden and three others, though Alpha King managed to escape. The death of Mustapha Kasan reportedly spurred vows of revenge within their ranks. However, the mounting pressure from military efforts has pushed these militants toward surrender.
Upon surrender, the former extremists are set to undergo government-led reintegration programs. These initiatives aim to provide livelihood support to help them transition back into society peacefully.
Support and Assistance Offered
As immediate aid, the Marines provided each surrenderer with cash assistance and grocery packages containing two sacks of rice, canned goods, and noodles. These were distributed through the efforts of MBLT-2 and its community partners.
Brig. Gen. Romulo Quemado, commander of the 1st Marine Brigade, expressed optimism about the surrender. He emphasized that such events demonstrate the government’s sincere commitment to peace through non-violent approaches. “What we had witnessed here today is a guarantee that we are opening our arms to our fellow countrymen who were lost but slowly finding their way back onto the path of peace,” he said. Quemado added that this development marks a crucial milestone in the long-standing efforts to resolve conflict in the Bangsamoro region.
For more news and updates on Moro violent extremists, visit Filipinokami.com.