SEVEN former members of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) surrendered to government troops in Maguindanao, the military announced on June 15. Col. Leodivic Guinid, the Army's 1st Brigade Combat Team (1BCT) commander, said the former extremists operated in the towns of Datu Salibo, Sultan Mastura and Sultan Kudarat, all in Maguindanao. He said the seven were convinced to surrender themselves by former BIFF comrades who earlier surrendered and are now living happy and peaceful lives with their families. The group yielded Monday afternoon to the 1BCT stationed in Sultan Kudarat town of Maguindanao. 'They will soon be reunited with their families after the debriefing procedure,' Guinid said. One of the surrenderers, named 'Dhatz' for security reasons, said he was excited to see his family after several years of being on the run from pursuing government forces. 'We are exhausted from fighting a futile cause; we just want to go home,' he said. Guinid called on other BIFF combatants to take advantage of the government's reconciliation program aimed at improving former rebels' lives through livelihood programs. 'Your return to the fold of the law contributes to the economic advancement of Maguindanao. Let us help each other attain peace and prosperity for the province,' Guinid added. Records from the Army's 6th Infantry Division showed 132 BIFF fighters have so far surrendered to authorities in Central Mindanao in January this year.