CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY--Two combatants of Maute group surrendered to the city government of Iligan and the Iligan City Police Office (ICPO) on Wednesday.
Col. Dominador Estrada, ICPO director who presented the two fighters during a press conference, said they are believed to be remnants of Dawlah Islamiya once headed by the Maute brothers.
The former combatants, who use the name "Ahmad" and "Orak", allegedly operated not only in Iligan City but also in the provinces of Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur.
The two surrendered a .45 caliber firearm, a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, and ammunition.
They also swore an oath of allegiance to the government, facilitated by Maria Maida Daniot, an officer in charge of the Department of the Interior and Local Government.
Estrada said the two can still avail of amnesty programs of the government.
The surrender of the former combatants came on the eve when Iligan City was about to launch the month-long celebration of "Diyandi" Festival in September, with preparations for peace, order, and security being prepared by ICPO with the help of the military.
Mayor Frederick Siao said he is confident law enforcers can sufficiently provide security to the public during major events in the upcoming festival and during regular days.
“PNP (the Philippine National Police) is on top of everything. Today, they presented the two surrenderers to show the nation we are ready for the month-long celebration,” Siao said. (PNA)
2 Maute fighters surrender in Iligan City
By Nef Luczon
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