Dawlah Islamiyah ‘logistical supporters’ surrender in Lanao del Sur

PAGADIAN CITY — Two logistical supporters of the Islamic State-inspired Dawlah Islamiya (DI) Lanao group have yieled to the military in Lanao del Sur on Monday, July 15, the military announced on Wednesday.

The two Dawlah Islamiya supporters surrendered to the Philippine Army’s 55th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Matitikop, Tubaran, Lanao del Sur, said 55th IB commander Lt. Col. Ian Noel Ignes.

Ignes said the surrenderees provided logistical support to the group of the late Owayda Marohombsar, popularly known as “Abu Dar,” before the Islamic militant leader was killed on March 14 this year in an encounter with the government forces in Barangay Dinaigan, Tubaran.

Ignes said it was Tubaran Mayor Khaledyassin Papandayan, who facilitated the surrender of the two supporters, who also yielded two .45-caliber hand guns.

“The death of top DI-Lanao leaders and Maute Brothers and the surrender of their members have significantly contributed to the sustained peaceful environment in the province of Lanao del Sur,” said Brigadier General Romeo Brawner Jr., the commander of the Marawi City-based 103rd Infantry Brigade that has operational jurisdiction over Lanao del Sur.

“We continuously collaborate with local chief executives and other stakeholders to encourage other supporters or even the locals with loose firearms to surrender and submit themselves to the folds of the law in order to stop the criminalities and attain a more peaceful community,” Brawner added in a statement on Wednesday.

1st Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Zampelan Commander Major General Roberto Ancan also commended the troops and the local government of Tubaran for the successful surrender of the two DI backers.

He assured that the 1st ID would continue to work closely with the LGUs in Lanao del Sur in their campaign against loose firearms and in dismantling the network of the DI in the province. /lzb