2 Maute-IS remnants surrender in Lanao del Sur

Two Maute-Islamic State (IS) remnants, who reportedly belonged to the group of terrorist leader Abu Dar, surrendered to the military in Lanao del Sur on Friday, January 11.

A military report disclosed that the two turned themselves in to the Army’s 55th Infantry Battalion in Pagayawan, Lanao del Sur at about 9 a.m..

Owayda Benito Marohombsar also known as Abu Dar, became the leader of the Maute-IS remnants after the suc- cessful military operation during Marawi siege.

“Based on our initial custodial debriefing, the two were tired of running and evading our troops,” said Lt. Col Ian Ignes, 55th Infantry Battalion Commander.

“Our combat operation will be relentless and continuous so as not to hamper the recovery, reconstruction and rehabilitation of Marawi,” said Col. Romeo Brawner, the newly installed 103rd Infantry Brigade Commander based in Marawi, Lanao del Sur.

The surrenderers also gave up a caliber KG 9 sub-machine gun and a caliber-.45 pistol.

Custodial debriefing is still ongoing as of this posting.

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Roseller Murillo, 1st Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Zampelan (Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao Provinces) Commander, commended the efforts of the troops that led to the surrender of Abu Dar’s comrades.

“Our campaign against terrorists will be continuous in order to attain a just and lasting peace in our area of operation,” he added.