One Daulah Islamiyah/Maute Group member surrender, another killed in military ops in Lanao del Sur

PAGADIAN CITY (May 7, 2021) - As the military operations of the Joint Task Force ZamPeLan intensify, a Daulah Islamiyah/Maute Group member surrendered while another was killed in an encounter with the military forces on May 5, 2021.

“Twenty-two-year-old “Cardo” from Inudaran, Marantao, Lanao del Sur handed over his high-powered firearm to the troops under the 103rd Infantry Brigade in Barangay Bobo, Piagapo, the same province at around 12:10 noon on Wednesday,” said Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., Commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

The surrendered personality turned over one Winchester Garand, one clip, and six cal. 30 live ammunition. 

During the initial debriefing, the subject revealed that he was involved in the Battle of Marawi in 2017 and went on lie low status after the conflict.

“The subject has no standing Warrant of Arrest and he is currently undergoing custodial debriefing for us to be able to gather more information about him, his previous activities, and the group,” said Brig. Gen. Jose Maria Cuerpo II, Commander of the 103rd Infantry Brigade.

Meanwhile, amid the conduct of focused military operations, troops from the same brigade engaged in an armed confrontation with an undetermined number of DI-MG members in Barangay Kalungnan, Piagapo at around 3 p.m. on the same day. 

The skirmish resulted in the death of an enemy and the recovery of one M16 rifle.

Brig. Gen. Jose Ma. Cuerpo II, Commander of the 103rd Infantry Brigade Commander said, “While our troops were scouring the clash site, they recovered the enemy cadaver. It will be subjected to an examination to verify the identity of the slain Daulah Islamiyah/Maute Group member,” Brig. Gen. Cuerpo II stated.

Reinforcements were immediately deployed to conduct blocking and pursuit operations on the possible enemy withdrawal route.

While in pursuit of the enemies, troops engaged in another firefight with the fleeing DI-MG members few meters away from the first encounter site.

The exchange of fires lasted for about an hour and 49 minutes after which the operating troops successfully took over the enemy position while the enemies scampered in different directions.

During the clearing operation, troops recovered two short and one long steel magazines, one green bandolier, two PVC pipes cut, and ½ kilo Ammonium Nitrate.

Additional troops were deployed to reinforce the engaged troops while combat clearing and pursuit operations continue.

Maj. Gen. Generoso Ponio, Commander of the Joint Task Force ZamPeLan, commended the operating troops for these recent accomplishments.

“This only proves that the security landscape in the area is changing and we are able to sustain the momentum,” said Maj. Gen. Ponio.

“Rest assured that we will continue to intensify the conduct of offensives against the remaining members of the Daulah Islamiyah/Maute Group to ensure the safety and security of the people,” he concluded.

Since January 2021, a total of 12 DI-MG members were neutralized, six of which were killed and six surrendered

“The JTF ZamPeLan continuously employs all measures to eliminate the terrorists in their area of operation,” said Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr.

“As the commander of the Western Mindanao Command, I am elated with the numerous accomplishments of the units under my command and control and I commend all my subordinate commanders and the soldiers, airmen, sailors, and marines who remain steadfast in fulfilling their mission for the common good,” Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr further stated.

“I also acknowledge the efforts of the local government units, stakeholders, and all the people who continue to support us in achieving all our successes,” he added. (By JONG D CADION with reports and photos from WestMinCom-PIO)

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