TROOPS under the command of the 1st Infantry Division (ID), the Army’s premier unit, have been cautioned to remain vigilant while in the performance of duty in their respective area of operations.

Major General Generoso Ponio, 1ID commander, issued the warning a day after eight supporters of the Islamic State for Iraq and Syria- (Isis-) inspired Dawlah Islamiya have surrendered in the province of Lanao del Sur.

“Do not let your guards down and continue to practice extreme caution and vigilance for our true enemies, who remain as threat not only to our ranks but also to the people we’ve sworn to protect,” Ponio told the 1ID troopers.

The eight Isis-inspired Dawlah Islamiya supporters surrendered Thursday, December 10, 2020, to the Army’s 82nd Infantry Battalion (IB) in Dado village, Balindong, Lanao del Sur.

Lieutenant Colonel Rafman Altre, 82IB commander, said the surrenderers yielded one high-powered firearm and one caliber .45 pistol.

Brigadier General Jose Maria Cuerpo, 103rd Infantry Brigade commander, said their efforts in urging the Dawlah Islamiya members and supporters to surrender in the province is continuous.

“With the support of local government unit and local chief executives, we will facilitate and reintegrate them in the mainstream society,” Cuerpo added.

Ponio commended the 82IB for facilitating the surrender of the eight Dawlah Islamiya supporters.

“Let us continue to show the people that we as soldiers have the heart and compassion even to our enemies in times of crisis and conflict,” Ponio said. (SunStar Zamboanga)