DAULAH ISLAMIYAH. A member of the Daulah Islamiyah-Maute Group (DIMG) hands over an M-16 Armalite rifle to Lt. Col. Fernando Payapaya, 51st Infantry Battalion (IB) commander (left), in Madalum, Lanao del Sur on Nov. 15, 2021. He was among three DIMG surrenderers who yielded to authorities some four years after the 2017 Marawi siege. (Photo courtesy of the 51IB)
ZAMBOANGA CITY – 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.
Payapaya recalled the history of Marawi siege as it will always play a part of Lanao del Sur's history.
Payapaya said the siege left a trail of death and destruction in the city. The lives of the BIMG members were also destroyed and some are still living in hiding.
“Nonetheless, the turning of events that we are witnessing from these surrenders bring gratification to the men of the unit. We guarantee your safety and means of living,” Payapaya said.
“But to those rebels who still continue to fight, we also guarantee to fulfill your fantasy. We will assure your destruction,” he added.
He said the three surrenderers were placed under the custody of his command for custodial briefing. (PNA)
