THE battalion of the Philippine Army that has neutralized one of the top leaders of the Daesh-inspired Dawlah Islamiya, formerly known as the Maute group, has returned to its mother unit in Bicol region, an official said Tuesday, June 16.
Major General Generoso Ponio, commander of the 1st Infantry Division (1ID), said the 49th Infantry "Good Samaritan" Battalion (49IB) returned Monday, June 15, to its mother unit, 9th Infantry Division in Bicol region, after three years and nine months duty in Mindanao.
Owaida Benito Marohombsar, also known as "Abu Dar," was among the four terrorists killed in an encounter with troops of the 49IB on March 14, 2019 in Tubaran, Lanao del Sur.
"Abu Dar" is regarded as the successor of Isnilon Hapilon, the emir of ISIS in Southeast Asia who was also killed in Marawi City along with the Maute brothers -- Abdullah and Omar.
Ponio, who led the send-off ceremony, lauded the 49IB led by Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Tapnio for their successful duty and thanked them for the attainment of peace and order in area of 1ID.
"Your accomplishments and significant contributions here in Western Mindanao will be forever written in your unit's history," Ponio said.
"Remain gallant and professional in dealing with the threat groups and the constituents of your new area of operation," he added.
He said the 49th IB took part during the war against the Dawlah Islamiya in their lair in the town of Butig, Lanao del Sur in 2016.
The battalion also played a vital role during the liberation of Marawi City in year 2017.
After the Marawi siege, Ponio said the battalion continued its relentless offensive against the Dawlah Islamiya remnants that significantly contributed into the improved peace and order situation Butig municipality.
Ponio said that in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, hundreds of loose firearms and other war materials were voluntarily surrendered and clan wars (Rido) were settled by the 49IB with the help of the local officials and community leaders.
Ponio said 49IB troops were also instrumental in the first ever Provincial Youth Leadership Summit and in partnership with the Municipal Government of Butig, they've jointly developed the former Maute group lair (Camp Darul Iman) into an eco-tourism park, which is now frequently visited by the locals and people from other municipalities.
Also present during the send-off ceremony were Brigadier General Facundo Palafox IV, 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade commander; Colonel Jose Maria Cuerpo, 103rd Infantry Brigade commander; Mayor Dimnatang Pansar of Butig, Lanao del Sur; Mayor Mahar Dagalangit of Lumba Bayabao, Lanao del Sur; and, Mayor Nasser Pangandaman Jr. of Masiu, Lanao del Sur.
The 49IB has been replaced by the 5IB, which has completed its retraining last week.
The 5IB is one of the operating units of the 1ID. (SunStar Zamboanga)