By Lou Ellen Antonio

BALO-I, Lanao del Norte (PIA)--Two members of the Local Terrorist Group (LTG) Dawlah Islamiya-Maute Group (DI-MG) operating in Lanao del Sur surrendered to the folds of the government including their war weapons on Thursday, August 18, at the headquarters of the Army’s 4th Mechanized Infantry “Kalasag” Battalion in this town.

The former members identified as alias “Habdani” and alias “Mao” turned over one caliber 30 M1 Garand rifle Springfield armory and one single rifle caliber 7.62 mm as they pledged allegiance to the government.

“After sa [the] surrender sa [of the] child warrior [in April 2022], the words spread, and then we received fillers for the surrenderees, signifying their intent to also surrender. That is why ang atong mga [our] intel operatives in the field, giduulan sa magsurrender [were approached by the surrenderees] which resulted in the coordination with the LGU of Munai for the facilitation of the formal surrender,” said Kalasag Battalion Commander LtCol. Joseph Marlon Famoso.

Famoso said they coordinated first with other national government agencies particularly the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to ensure the necessary benefits that will be received by the former violent extremists (FVEs).  

Moreover, 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade Deputy Commander Col. Charlemagne Batayola thanked the FVEs for returning to the folds of the law.

“Salamat sa inyo at nais ninyong linisin ang inyong pangalan hindi lamang para sa sarili ninyo kundi para na rin sa pamilya niyo at para na rin sa katahimikan ng lugar na ginagawalan niyo. Your coming out is one thing na tamang desisyon na ginawa ninyo sa inyong buhay,” he said. 

[Thank you for wanting to clear your name not only for yourself but also for your family and also for the peace of the place you live in. Your coming out is a right decision you made in your life.]

According to Munai Mayor Racma Andamama, the former DI-MG members were sent to their town to recruit members. The local government was then able to convince them to return to the folds of the law.  

Through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program of DILG, the FVEs will receive initial cash assistance amounting to P15,000 and P50,000 for livelihood assistance and firearms remuneration for the surrendered firearms. Other national government agencies will also provide assistance. (LELA/PIA10/Lanao del Norte)