Two Abu Dar men surrender

MARAWI CITY — Joint Task Force Ranao (JTFR) Deputy Commander Col. Romeo Brawner, Jr., yesterday disclosed that two of Owaydah Benito Marohombsar or Abu Dar’s men surrendered to government forces last June 26.

Brawner identified those who surrendered as Abdul Mana Sandab, who is also known as Alim Manan and Alim Ombao, and Macaondot Abdulgani Sandab, alias Ondo.

Abdul Mana Sandab is reportedly a sub leader of the Daulah Islamiyah Maute terrorist group under Abu Dar, who is said to be the new leader or emir of the Islamic State (IS) in southeast Asia, replacing Isnilon Hapilon who was killed in the Marawi City siege.

The Sandabs also surrendered two high-powered firearms, a 30-caliber rifle and a homemade rocket propelled grenade.

“This is a result of the efforts that we’re doing for the surrender of the Maute-ISIS group and this operation is called ‘balik loob’ of the 103rd Brigade,” he said.

Brawner also said the number of surrenderers from the ranks of Maute is now 48.

He said troops are still securing Tubaran and Pagayawan towns in the government’s continuing hot pursuit operations against Abu Dar.

Brawner reiterated that the reward money for information that could lead to Abu Dar’s capture is still at P3 million from the government, and another P3 million from local government executives.

“Siya na lang ang natitirang (He is the only remaining) leader of Maute-IS, so we are running after him,” Brawner said. (Bonita L. Ermac)