Maute group sub-leader yields to military in Lanao

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur -- A sub-leader of the Islamic State for Iraq and Syria (ISIS)-inspired Maute group has surrendered to military authorities in the province of Lanao del Sur, military officials said Wednesday.

Lt. Col. Edgar Allan Villanueva, Army’s 49th Infantry Battalion commander, identified the Maute group sub-leader surrenderer as Aloyodan Bantak alias Ibrahim Bantak, who surrendered around 10 a.m. Tuesday in Lumba Bayabao, Lanao del Sur.

Villanueva said the surrender of Bantak was facilitated by the local government unit of Lumba Bayabao. Bantak turned over a caliber 5.56 milimeter sniper rifle, two grenade launchers, and ammunition.

“Our initial debriefing found out that he was involved in November 2016 Butig Siege and he is the recruiter of the group of Owaida Marohombsar alias Abu Dar,” Villanueva said.

Bantak’s surrender came a day after three Maute group members surrendered to the military in Sultan Dumalondong, Lanao del Sur.

The surrender of the three, who turned over one M2 Carbine rifle with ammunition, was witnessed by Mayor Jamel Kurangking of Sultan Dumalondong.

Col. Romeo Brawner, the Army’s 103rd Infantry Brigade commander, reiterated the military's commitment to stamp out remnants of the Maute group that was responsible for the five-month siege of Marawi last year.

“Our efforts will be continuous against the Daesh-inspired Maute terrorists in order to achieve a peaceful and progressive community,” Brawner said. (PNA)