A FOLLOWER and three supporters of the Dawlah Islamiya-Maute Group (DI-MG) have surrendered to government authorities in Lanao del Sur, the military reported Wednesday, October 25, 2023.
The Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) said the four surrendered to the 32nd Infantry Battalion (IB) headed by Lieutenant Colonel Edmond Lanzar in Matalin village, Malabang, Lanao del Sur on Monday, October 23.
The Westmincom identified them only through their aliases as Mickey, the DI-MG follower, and the three supporters as Butongo, Salim and Amano.
They are currently undergoing custodial debriefing at the 32IB headquarters.
The Westmincom said the four surrenderers handed over one M1 Garand rifle.
Major General Steve Crespillo, commander of Westmincom, said the turning of events that the people of Mindanao are witnessing from the snowball of surrenders brings gratification to the officers, men, and women on the ground.
“We guarantee the safety and means of living for all those who chose to end their armed struggle. Nonetheless, we will not rest on our laurels but rather intensify further our military operations to neutralize all those who refuse to walk with us on the path toward lasting peace and sustainable development here in Mindanao,” Crespillo added. (SunStar Zamboanga)