39 ‘terrorists’ surrender

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Thirty-nine alleged members of a militant group that pledged allegiance to international terrorist organization Islamic State surrendered to authorities in Central Mindanao on Friday.

The militants brought with them firearms and improvised explosive devices when they surrendered to the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (ID), according to Maj. Andrew Linao, spokesman for the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom).

The group included 33 members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and six from the BIFF faction Dawlah Islamiyah.

Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, chief of the Joint Task Force Central Mindanao and 6th ID, said the surrenderees would receive livelihood assistance from the government.

Among those who surrendered were field commanders of the BIFF, Uy said.