Daesh-inspired Maute terrorist sub-leader surrenders in Lanao del Sur

By MASIDING NOOR YAHYA

February 20, 2019

MARAWI CITY: A Daesh-inspired Maute terrorist sub-leader surrendered to Army’s 49th Infantry Battalion in Lumba Bayabao, Lanao del Sur on Tuesday morning.

Lt. Col. Edgar Allan Villanueva, the 49th Infantry Battalion Commander, said the surrender of Aloyodan Bantak, alias Ibrahim Bantak was facilitated by the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Lumba Bayabao.

“Our initial debriefing found out that he was involved in November 2016 Butig Siege and he is the recruiter of Owaida Marohombsar’s group, also known as alias Abu Dar,” Villanueva added.

Bantak also yielded one caliber 5.56mm sniper rifle, two grenade launchers magazines and ammunition. 

Custodial debriefing is still on-going as of this posting. 

On Monday, three DI-Maute remnants under sub-leader Mubarak Manalo, also surrendered to 49IB in the municipality of Sultan Dumalondong, Lanao del Sur. 

“While we are supporting the recovery, reconstruction, and rehabilitation of Marawi, our efforts against DI-Maute terrorist will be continuous in order to achieve a peaceful and progressive community,” said Col. Romeo Brawner, 103rd Infantry Brigade Commander.

Meanwhile, Brigadier General Roberto Ancan, commander of the 1st Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Zampelan (Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao Provinces), commended the efforts of the troops of 49th IB and Lumba Bayabao LGU.

“Our campaign against terrorists will be relentless and we will take advantage of their weakened leadership and capabilities in order to attain a just and lasting peace in our area of operation,” Ancan said. (RSP)