A TEENAGE member of the Islamic State for Iraq and Syria (Isis)-inspired Dawlah Islamiya-Maute Group (DI-MG) has surrendered amid military offensive against them in Lanao del Sur, a top military official said Monday, August 7, 2023.
Brigadier General Yegor Rey Barroquillo Jr., Army’s 103rd Infantry Brigade commander, said the surrenderer known to the DI-MG as Taimiya, 15, has surrendered and handed over an M-14 rifle to the 51st Infantry Battalion troopers in Madalum, Lanao del Sur on Saturday, August 5.
Barroquillo said the surrender of Taimiya was successfully done with the help of the residents who are now actively providing information regarding the presence of DI-MG members in their community.
Taimiya, who is listed in the Periodic Status Report as number 20, hails from Lininding village, Piagapo, Lanao del Sur.
Taimiya revealed that he was convinced to join the DI-MG in 2019 at the age of 11 at Sitio Naga in Tamporong village, Madalum, Lanao del Sur.
At the age of 11, Taimiya said he was forced to participate in several firefights against government troops in Lanao del Sur.
Taimiya said he decided to surrender due to the hardship as they are constantly on the run from the relentless pursuit operations by government troops in Lanao del Sur province.
He is now under the custody of 51IB for debriefing and for processing under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-Clip), which is now being instituted in the Lanao del Sur provincial government.
Barroquillo commended the troops of the 51IB for the efforts that led to the surrender of Taimiya.
Baroquillo urged the other members of DI-MG to surrender and take advantage of the E-Clip being espoused by the provincial government of Lanao del Sur. (SunStar Zamboanga)