11 terrorists surrender in Maguindanao

ELEVEN members of a terrorist group surrendered on Friday in Maguindanao del Sur and handed over 11 assorted firearms, the military reported yesterday.

The members of the Daulah Islamiyah-Turaife Group (DI-TG) surrendered to the Army’s 6th Infantry Battalion (IB) in Barangay Buayan in Datu Piang town, the AFP Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) said.

The 11 handed over three 40mm M79 grenade launchers, two 9mm Uzi submachine guns, a Bushmaster rifle, a cal.30 sniper rifle, a 60mm mortar, a 7.62mm sniper rifle, a cal.45 pistol, and a cal.38 revolver.

The firearms are now the 6th IB headquarters in Datu Piang “for safekeeping and proper disposition.”

Wesmincom commander Lt. Gen. William Gonzales commended the 6th IB for causing the surrender of the 11 DI-TG members even as he urged members of the terrorist group to also return to the fold of law.

“The surrender of the eleven DI-TG members is a testament to the relentless effort of the AFP to end terrorism in the areas inflicted by these rebel groups,” said Gonzales.

“We will ensure that this development will go on until terrorism is fully eradicated,” he added.

The 11 will be enrolled in various government programs that will give them the opportunity to start a new life.

The DI-TG is being blamed for a number of attacks in Central Mindanao, including bombings and extortions.

Maj. Gen. Alex Rillera, commander of the 6th Infantry Division commander, said, “They (11) are now part of the many former members of local terrorist groups who have decided to take the path of peace and development in their area.”