18-year-old Maute-ISIS fighter surrenders to military in Lanao del Sur

A young fighter of the Maute-ISIS group surrendered to the 49th Infantry "Good Samaritan" Battalion of the Joint Task Force Ranao in Lanao del Sur on Monday.

Identified only as alias Asnor, the 18-year-old was only 14 when he was recruited together with 12 other minors by the late Maute-ISIS leader Abdullah Maute.

“Nine years old was their youngest recruit and Asnor was involved in an armed engagement  with government forces in the month of February and November of 2016,” Lieutenant Colonel Edgar Allan Villanueva, commander of the 49th Infantry Battalion, said.

Asnor is seen in this photo with other alleged Maute-ISIS members. Photo courtesy of 49th Infantry Battalion

Asnor decided to lie low after two engagements.

The military is still conducting debriefing as of posting time.

Major General Roseller Murillo, commander of Joint Task Force Zampelan, commended the troops for facilitating the surrender of Asnor.

“We are glad to hear that Asnor decided to surrender and this is the best chance for him to return to mainstream society and achieve his aspiration,” Murillo said. —Merlyn Manos/KG, GMA News