ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — The military said the numbers of the Islamic State-inspired Maute Group have dwindled even further as six more members surrendered in Lanao del Sur on Tuesday.
The militants, who had sworn allegiance to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, also surrendered high-powered firearms, including a local copy of a .50-cal rifle, three M79 grenade launchers and a carbine rifle.
Maj. Gen. Roseller Murillo, commander of the 1st Infantry Division and of Joint Task Force Zampelan (Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao), said the six surrendered to the 49th Infantry Battalion at Sultan Dumalungdong, Lanao del Sur.
Murillo said Sultan Dumalungdong Mayor Jamel Kurangking and Malalis barangay chairperson Mohammad Saber Solaiman initiated the surrender of the members of the terrorist group that had laid siege to Marawi City from March to October last year.
He said 20 Maute members have surrendered in Lanao del Sur in the last two weeks.
Lt. Col. Edgar Allan Villanueva, 49th IB commander, said the six were under sub-leader Mubarak Manalo, whose group was involved in harassing the military detachment in Pantar town in September 2017. The harassment was meant to divert military attention from fighting in Marawi.
Murillo said the series of surrenders is keeping the terror group from regrouping after being chased out of Marawi last year. Despite this, he said, military operations will continue against the Mautes.
6 Abus surrender in Sulu
In a separate development, six Abu Sayyaf members surrendered to the military in Sulu last Friday, the military also said.
At least six Abu Sayyaf members decided to surrender voluntarily to the military Friday last week in Sulu after learning their former comrades who gave up ahead have
Lt. Col. Gerry Besana, spokesman of the Western Mindanao Command, said the six surrendered to the troops under the 2nd Special Battalion under Lt. Col. Jessie Montoyo in Maimbung town.
The surrender of the militants was facilitated by Capt. Rico Tagure and Mayor Samier Tan on Friday afternoon. The surrender was only announced Wednesday because the identities of the Abu Sayyaf had to be verified first.
Besana said the militants also surrendered an M14 rifle, an M16A1, an M203 grenade launcher, an M79, two US M1 Garand rifles, and a Springfield Armory caliber-.45 rifle.