ZAMBOANGA CITY – A member of the Daulah Islamiyah-Maute Group (DI-MG) voluntarily surrendered to military authorities in Lanao del Sur on October 23, 2023. The individual, known by the alias “Mickey,” was accompanied by three DI-MG supporters and couriers, identified as alias “Butongo,” alias “Salim,” and alias “Amano.” They turned themselves in to Lt. Col. Edmond Lanzar, Commanding Officer of the 32nd Infantry Battalion. Currently, these individuals are undergoing debriefing while in military custody at the 32IB headquarters.
Upon surrendering, the former DI-MG member relinquished one M1 Garand rifle.
Maj. Gen. Steve Crespillo, Chief of the Western Mindanao Command, expressed his satisfaction with the growing trend of surrenders in Mindanao. He commended the efforts of the officers, soldiers, and civilian personnel involved.
Crespillo emphasized the commitment to ensuring the safety and livelihood of those who choose to end their involvement in armed conflicts. However, he made it clear that military operations would be escalated to deal with those who remain reluctant to pursue peace and sustainable development in Mindanao.
