9 terror suspects surrender

MAGUINDANAO, Philippines — Nine suspected terrorists including a bomb expert surrendered to the military on Saturday.

The surrender was facilitated by the Army’s 57th Infantry Battalion and local executives in the second district of Maguindanao, according to Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (ID).

The surrenderees, reportedly members of the Dawlah Islamiya terrorist group, turned over assorted firearms and improvised explosive devices during a ceremony at Camp Gonzalo Siongco in Datu Odin Sinsuat.

The ceremony was witnessed by Army chief Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana and Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr., head of the Western Mindanao Command based in Zamboanga City.

“They decided to return to their communities unarmed for the sake of their families and children. We will do our best to transform them into peaceful and productive citizens,” Uy said, referring to the surrenderees.

More than 200 members of the Dawlah Islamiya, also known as the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, have surrendered since 2017.