Ex-Dawla Islamiya member gives up self, grenade launcher to AFP

A member of the Dawlah Islamiya/Maute Group surrendered to troops in Lanao del Sur on Monday morning, the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) has said.

Saifoden Macaraya Maute, 36, yielded to the 49th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Poblacion Bayabao.

Saifoden, a resident of Barangay Tagoranao, also turned over one M79 grenade launcher and a 40mm high explosive.

According to the Westmincom, he was recruited by DI/ISIS/Maute Group sub-leader Mohammad Khayam Romato Maute, alias “Otto,” who was killed during the Marawi siege.

In 2016, Saifoden fought government troops during the military operations conducted by the 103rd Brigade.

Maute is now undergoing custodial debriefing at the headquarters of the 49th Infantry Batallion.

“With all the positive results of our campaigns, we are more motivated to intensify our operations by employing the whole-of-nation approach because we do not want to destroy the trust the people have bestowed upon us,” said Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Westmincom. —NB, GMA News