ZAMBOANGA CITY – On 15 November 2021, three former members of the Daulah Islamiyah-Maute Group (DIMG) have surrendered to authorities more than four years after the 2017 Marawi siege.
“Through our surrender, we finally found peace. We can now live harmoniously,” an alias “Basher” said in a statement Friday.
“Basher” and two others, “Mocatil” and “Nano”, surrendered to the 51st Infantry Battalion (IB) Monday in Madalum, Lanao del Sur. They were only identified through their aliases for security reasons.
Lt. Col. Fernando Payapaya, 51IB commander, said the three surrenderers went into hiding after the 2017 siege before deciding to surrender to authorities on Monday.
The three turned over all their firearms consisting of two M-16 Armalite rifles and a .45-caliber pistol to military authorities.
“We are truly thankful to 51IB for receiving us, ensuring the safety and welfare of the victims of armed struggle,” Basher added