3 more Maute group members surrender in Lanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 14, 2019): 3 more Maute group members surrender in Lanao

Three members of the Islamic State-inspired Maute group surrendered to authorities in Lanao del Sur, bringing the number of surrenderees to five, military officials said.

Maj. Gen. Roseller Murillo, Army’s 1st Infantry Division commander, said the three surrendered to the 82nd Infantry Battalion around noon Saturday in Piagapo, Lanao del Sur.

Murillo, who is also the Task Force Zampelan (Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao Provinces) commander, said the three have turned over a rocket propelled grenade (RPG), one grenade launcher, and one caliber .30 M1 Garand rifle with ammunition.

The identities of the three Maute surrenderers were withheld. They are followers of Owayda Benito Morohomsar alias Abu Dar.

Lt. Col. Jason Jumawan, Army’s 82nd Infantry Battalion commander, said the three decided to surrender due to dissatisfaction and discontentment with the leadership and capabilities of the Maute group.

The first two surrenderees, who are also followers of Abu Dar, surrendered on Friday to the Army’s 55th Infantry Battalion in Pagayawan, Lanao del Sur.

“While we are supporting the recovery, reconstruction and rehabilitation of Marawi, our efforts against Maute group remnants will be continuous in order to achieve a peaceful and progressive community in our area of operation,” said Col. Romeo Brawner, Army’s 103rd Infantry Brigade.

Murillo has commended the efforts of the troops that led to the surrender of Abu Dar’s followers.

“Our campaign against terrorists will be relentless and we will take advantage of their weakened leadership and capabilities in order to attain a just and lasting peace in our area of operation,” he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1058790