ILIGAN CITY (MindaNews / 02 March) – Five members of Dawlah Islamiyah have surrendered to the 2nd Mechanized “Magbalantay” Infantry Brigade in Iligan City since February this year, the military said.
The fifth surrenderee, who gave himself up on Friday, March 1, was identified as Ansanadong Dimaointo Nasrodin alias Ghuraba, a resident of Barangay Lininding, Munai, Lanao del Norte.
Nasrodin arrived at the camp accompanied by his family and the son of Abdullah Makapaar alias Commander Bravo of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
He allegedly figured in the Feb. 18 encounter in Barangay Ramain, Munai where six soldiers from the 44th Infantry Battalion and three Dawlah Islamiyah members were killed.
His father Bao Nasrodin, a farmer, said they were looking for his son for four years, adding it was a member of the MILF who informed them that he was wounded and his left hand had to be amputated at a hospital in the city.
He said his son, the fourth of five siblings, was a student and they never knew he had joined the Dawlah Islamiyah after he failed to come home.
The four other surrenderees were identified as Hasanor Polangi Dato alias Abu Horira/Aslam, resident of Barangay Paridi, Piagapo, Lanao del Sur; Arsani Mimbisa alias Khatab, resident of Barangay Lininding, Munai; Sohaily Datu Ali alias Pablo/Abudah also of Barangay Lininding, Munai; and Almanar Angne Umpar alias Pablo/Ekrima, resident of Barangay Ramain, Munai.
Brigade commander BGen Anthon Abrina said only a few militants are left “and they have nowhere to run.”
He added, “Returnees will now be part of the government’s comprehensive rehabilitation program, which includes livelihood training, financial assistance, and other support mechanisms to help them reintegrate into society.” (Marivic Omandam Davis/MindaNews)