Terrorist group supporters yield in Lanao del Sur

Two supporters of the Dawlah Islamiyah-Maute terrorist group surrendered to the Army’s 82nd Infantry Battalion in Barangay Gacap, Piagapo, Lanao del Sur Sunday, January 26.

The surrender came two days after an encounter between their group and the military that transpired in the boundary of Piagapo and Balindong last Friday.

Lt. Col. Rafman Altre, commanding officer, 82nd Infantry battalion identified those who surrendered as Farhan Salik, also known as Orak; and Alimoden Maunada, 38.

“The negotiation (for their surrender) was made possible by Salic Dimasangkay, an MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Frond) commander, and Usman Amboloto, Barangay Dado chairman in Balindong, Lanao del Sur,” said Altre.

The duo also yielded a caliber-30 M1 Springfield Garand Rifle.

Custodial debriefing is still on-going as of this posting.

The Army’s 103rd Brigade, though its commander Col. Jose Maria Cuerpo II, encouraged other remnants of the terrorist group to also surrender.

Brig. Gen. Generoso “Gene” Ponio, Commander of the First Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Zampelan (Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao Provinces), commended the efforts of the troops for the successful surrender of the DI-Maute supporters.

“Your 1st Infantry (TABAK) Division, remains steadfast in its commitment to attain just and lasting peace in our area of operation thru our campaign against local terrorist groups, lawless armed groups and loose firearms,” said Ponio.

“Likewise, we thank the local government and MILF forces for their continued trust and support to our troops in contributing peace and development in the whole province of Lanao del Sur,” Ponio added.

Source: MB