Cagayan de Oro City – September 23, 2024 – Two members of the Dawlah Islamiyah (Maute Group) voluntarily surrendered to authorities in Poblacion Munai, Lanao del Norte, signaling another step towards peace in the region.
The individuals, identified only by their aliases “Habab,” a 21-year-old resident of Lininding, Munai, and “Turab,” a 17-year-old from Coyontor, Kauswagan, were both on the Philippine National Police’s PSR watchlist. They surrendered alongside their firearms, turning themselves in after extensive negotiations.
“Turab,” influenced by his parents and relatives, decided to abandon the group and convinced his close friend “Habab” to follow suit. Both individuals have been with the Dawlah Islamiyah group for several years and played active roles in its operations.
Their surrender was facilitated by a coordinated effort from several government units, including the 1st and 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Companies (PMFC) of Lanao del Norte, the Provincial Intelligence Unit, and other military and police units.
The firearms they surrendered included a REMINGTON ARMS ILION N.Y. U.S.A. CAL. 223-5.56MM rifle with one magazine and 13 live rounds, and a U.S. RIFLE 7.62MM M14 H&R ARMS CO. rifle with one magazine and five live rounds.
The two men are currently under the custody of the 1st PMFC Lanao del Norte Provincial Police Office for further documentation and processing.
PBGEN Ricardo G. Layug Jr., Regional Director of PRO10, praised the surrender, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to secure peace in Lanao del Norte and across Region 10.
“This surrender demonstrates the continued success of government forces in their fight against terrorism,” Layug said. “PRO10 and our partner agencies remain committed to supporting former rebels as they reintegrate into society, while ensuring that peace and security are maintained across the region.”
The government is expected to provide the surrendered individuals with reintegration support to help them transition back into civilian life.
