A MEMBER of the Maute Group, now known as the Dawlah Islamiyah, has surrendered to authorities in the province of Lanao del Sur, the military reported Thursday.

Lieutenant General Arnel Dela Vega, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, identified the surrenderer as Hilal Pamaloy Biston alias Pakistan, a resident of the village of Langcap, Marawi City.

Dela Vega said Biston surrendered around 3 p.m. Wednesday, May 8, and turned over an M-16 “Baby Armalite” with ammunition to Colonel Romeo Brawner, Army’s 103rd Infantry Brigade commander, in Kampo Ranao, Marawi City.

Dela Vega said Biston was placed under custodial debriefing.

“We encourage the remaining DI/MG (Dawlah Islamiyah/Maute Group) members, who are still in doubt, now is the time for you to return to the mainstream of society,” Dela Vega said. (Bong Garcia)