TEN members of the Dawlah Islamiya (DI) terror group have surrendered and have received livelihood as well as cash assistance from the government in the province of Maguindanao del Sur, military officials said Thursday, May 29, 2025.
The 10 DI terrorists surrendered to the troops of the 90th Infantry Battalion (90IB) Wednesday, May 28, in Kabengi village, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur.
Lieutenant Colonel Loqui Marco, 90IB commander, presented the 10 DI surrenderers to Brigadier General Edgar Catu, 601st Infantry Brigade commander, in a surrender ceremony, during which they handed over their firearms.
The firearms the 10 DI surrenderers have turned over include an M14 rifle, two M4 rifles, an M16 rifle, two caliber .50 Barretts, an M203 grenade launcher, an M1 Garand rifle, and an M1 Carbine rifle.
Marco said the surrenderers have received livelihood and cash assistance as well as a sack of rice each from the Maguindanao del Sur provincial government and the Department of Labor and Employment-Soccsksargen.
Engineer Romerico Carrasco, a DOLE-Soccsksargen supervisor, said the 10 DI surrenderers will undergo a livelihood program through the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (Tupad).
Catu expressed gratitude for the support of local government agencies and citizens in the campaign against loose firearms and the surrender of the DI members.
“Peace is the responsibility of every member of society. The successful reintegration of former rebels is part of their journey on the right path. Let your comrades know that you are now enjoying security and peace with your loved ones,” Catu said.
Meanwhile, Major General Donald Gumiran, 6th Infantry Division commander, said the surrender of the 10 DI members is proof that there is hope for peace and change.
“Through the programs brought by the government, we are giving them the opportunity to live a dignified life again—free from violence and with the hope of starting over for themselves and their families,” Gumiran said.
“We continue to call on our compatriots who continue to follow the wrong path, that your military is open to receive and support you in your imminent conversion and be part of the peaceful change in our region,” he added. (SunStar Zamboanga)