A SNIPER of the Islamic State for Iraq and Syraia (Isis)-linked Maute group has surrendered to military authorities in Lanao del Sur, a top military official disclosed Thursday, October 11.

Major General Roseller Murillo, Army’s 1st Infantry Division commander, said the Maute sniper surrendered to the Joint Task Force Ranao around 5 p.m. Wednesday in Butig, Lanao del Sur.

Murillo said the surrender was jointly facilitated by the Army’s 49th Infantry Battalion (IB), Moro Islamic Liberation Front-Adhoc Joint Action Group (MILF-AHJAG) and local officials of Lanao del Sur.

He said the Maute sniper has turned over a caliber 7.62 millimeter Sniper Rifle to Lieutenant Colonel Edgar Villanueva, 49th IB commander.

Murillo, who is also the commander of the Joint Task Force Zampelan, said the Maute sniper was placed under custodial debriefing.

He withheld the identity of the sniper, who surrendered a day after seven Maute group members and supporters have surrendered in Pagayawan, Lanao del Sur.

The seven Maute group members and supporters surrendered on Tuesday to 55th Infantry Battalion in Pagayawan, Lanao del Sur.

The Western Mindanao Command identified them as Mamao Alyodan, Oden Sangcopan, Salahudin Manan, Alexander Amerol, Nora Udasan, Allan Amerol, and Patak Sangcopan.

They yielded three caliber .30 M1 Garand Rifles, one Carbine, four caliber .45 pistols, and one 9-mm pistol. (Bong Garcia/SunStar Philippines)