FOUR members of the Dawlah Islamiya-Maute Group (DI-MG) have surrendered to government authorities in the province of Lanao del Sur, the military said Saturday, March 15, 2025.
The 64th Infantry Battalion (64IB) said the four DI-MG members, whose identities were withheld, surrendered at the headquarters of the battalion on Thursday in Matalin village, Malabang, Lanao del Sur.
The 64IB said they turned over high-powered firearms that include a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, a carbine rifle, a caliber .45 pistol, and a .9-millimeter pistol.
“Each weapon symbolizes these individuals' tumultuous journey, now replaced by a glimmer of hope for a peaceful future,” the 64IB said in a statement citing the DI-MG surrenderers had been embroiled in conflict since 2017.
“This pivotal event not only marks a significant victory in the ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability to the region but also underscores the effectiveness of the Focused Military Operations (FMO) to combat local threats,” the 64IB added.
Through planned protocols and decisive actions, Lieutenant Colonel Abel Potutan, 64IB commander, ensured the safety of the surrenderers while simultaneously maximizing the overall efficacy of the operation.
The 64IB said Potutan’s steadfast guidance and keen strategic insight were pivotal in maneuvering through the complexities of the sensitive mission.
The decision of the four DI-MG members to surrender marked a significant turning point in the ongoing struggle against entrenched local terrorist factions operating in the Lanao del Sur province, the 64IB said. (SunStar Zamoanga)