ILIGAN CITY, Lanao de Norte — A 15-year-old ISIS-linked Maute fighter on Tuesday surrendered to Philippine Army in Butig, Lanao del Sur.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines’ 49th Infantry ‘Good Samaritan’ Battalion of the Joint Task Force Ranao facilitated the surrender of alias AJ (not his real name).
AJ was reportedly recruited by his cousins, also Maute members, in Butig town back in 2014.
“Nine years old was their youngest recruit and most of them were involved in armed engagement with government forces in the month of February and November of 2016,” Army’s 49th Infantry Battalion Commander, Lt. Col Edgar Allan Villanueva said.
The military said the custodial debriefing for the surenderer is still ongoing.
Meanwhile, 1st Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Zampelan commander, Maj. Gen. Roseller Murillo, commended the efforts of
the Army troops in helping the former young fighter return to his normal life.
“We are glad to hear that AJ decided to surrender and this is the best chance for him to return to the mainstream society and achieve his aspiration,” Murillo said.
He also urged other Maute members to return to the fold of the law.-PNA
