3 Dawla Islamiyah members arrested in Lanao del Sur

Three members of the bandit group, Dawla Islamiyah/Maute, reportedly responsible for the killing of civilians were arrested in a joint operation conducted early Tuesday morning in Barangay Gacap, Piagapo in Lanao del Sur.

The joint operation is composed of the 103rd Infantry Brigade, Joint Task Force Haribon, 1SRBN, 51st Infantry Battalion, the Philippine National Police Lanao del Sur and the Special Action Force.

Apao Dmacaling, a suspected member of the Dawla Islamiyah-Maute Group, allegedly responsible for killing three civilians. PHOTO BY 103rd Infantry Brigade

Ibrahim Alek Undi alias Brad Alexander, a suspected member of the Dawla Islamiyah-Maute Group, allegedly responsible for killing three civilians. PHOTO BY 103rd Infantry Brigade

Jamal Ramal Berongan also known as "mayor", a suspected member of the Dawla Islamiyah-Maute Group, was arrested for allegedly killing three civilians. PHOTO BY 103rd Infantry Brigade

The members of the bandit group were identified as Apao Dimacalang, Ibrahim Alek Undi alias Brad Alexander, and Jamal Ramal Berongan also known as "mayor" as individuals responsible for the killing of three civilians who were selling furniture and foam last Dec. 6, 2017.

Officials said the suspects admitted to the crime, saying that this was their way of getting back at those responsible for the deaths of their relatives during the Marawi siege.

The officials also confiscated two caliber 45 pistols from Apao and Jalal.

The arrest was made with the assistance of civilians who reported that there were unidentified individuals roaming the area. — Merlyn Manos/BAP, GMA News