2 Dawlah Islamiya members surrender to military

TWO followers of the Dawlah Islamiya, formerly known as the Maute group, have surrendered to military in Lanao del Sur, an official said Wednesday, February 12.

Brigadier General Generoso Ponio, Army's 1st Infantry Division commander, identified the Dawlah Islamiya surrenderers as Metalicop Ambayan Bembang and Sabidra Sisomnong Panulong, who surrendered Monday, February 10, to the Army's 49th Infantry Battalion in the village of Sandab, Butig.

Ponio said the two have turned over one M-203 grenade launcher, ammunitions, and a bandolier.

Ponio said that Bembang and Panulong revealed they were recruited by Mando Panulong, a militant under a certain Commander Langco and have participated in the series of clashes with government troops.

He said the surrender of the two Dawlah Islamiya members was facilitated by Butig town officials led by Councilor Saiben Panulong. (SunStar Zamboanga)