THE COURT of Appeals (CA) has affirmed the lower court’s reclusion perpetua sentence on a Maute terrorist group member for unlawful possession of an explosive device.
Showing posts with label Maute. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Maute. Show all posts
Monday, August 12, 2024
Monday, February 15, 2021
Saudi sends food aid to poor Marawi residents
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Saudi Arabia donated some 5,000 food baskets to poor Muslim families in Marawi City in the southern Philippine province of Lanao del Sur.
Saturday, October 24, 2020
Kailangan wasakin ang Marawi: Duterte
INAMIN NI Pangulong Duterte ang pagwasak sa Marawi City sa kasagsagan ng labanan kontra mga teroristang grupo ang tanging paraang upang mapuksa ang mga ito.
Saturday, June 1, 2019
Surrendered militants to get gov’t aid
MARAWI CITY – The Philippine Army said the government is ready to provide aid to pro-ISIS militants who surrendered peacefully and returned to the fold of the law.
Over a hundred militants had surrendered to the government since last year after security forces defeated them in Marawi in 2017 following a deadly siege that left the city in ruins and displaced residents.
Abu Saif, a former pro-ISIS militant who surrendered to the military, is among those who will receive aid from the government. (Gian Raman)
The surrendered militants have undergone a process aimed at identifying what government programs are necessary for them to live a normal life with their family.
The 103rd Infantry Brigade is tasked to run the process and provide inputs to the government which shall decide what programs and aid would be given to those who surrendered. Most of these programs are financial aid and livelihood skills training, among others. (Mindanao Examiner)
Like Us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mindanaoexaminer
Follow Us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MindanaoExamine
Read And Share Our News: https://www.mindanaoexaminer.com
Mirror Site: https://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com
Digital Archives: https://issuu.com/mindanaoexaminernewspaper
Media Rates: https://mindanaoexaminer.com/ad-rates
Thank you so much for visiting our website. Your small donation will ensure the continued operation of the Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper. Thank you again for supporting us. BPI: 952 5815649 (BOPIPHMM) Landbank: 195 113 9935 (TLBPPHMM)
Saturday, March 16, 2019
Army wants DNA test for slain ISIS emir in Lanao Sur
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Security commanders have asked the military for a DNA examination on one of 6 pro-ISIS militants believed to be the emir of the Islamic State in the Philippines who were killed in a massive campaign in the restive South.
Colonel Romeo Brawner, commander of the 103rd Infantry Brigade, said army informants have said that Abu Dar was one of those killed by our soldiers in Tubaran town in Lanao del Sur province.
“According to our three informants, one of the slain terrorists was Abu Dar. We already requested the higher headquarters for the DNA test to confirm his neutralization,” he said.
Abu Dar, who was a former commander of the Abu Sayyaf group, had been tagged as behind many terror attacks against civilian and military targets in the Muslim autonomous region. But little information is available on the secluded jihadist leader, whose group had laid siege to Marawi City in 2017 that left hundreds of people dead and wounded, and forced fellow Muslims to flee their homes.
Lieutenant Colonel Edgar Allan Villanueva, commander of the 49th Infantry Battalion, also said that Abu Dar was with a group of armed fighters from Dawlah Islamiya and Maute group numbering about 20 when they clashed with troops. He said 3 militants were slain in that fighting. “During the encounter, Abu Dar was with about twenty of his comrades and we were also able to neutralize three of his cohorts,” he said, adding, they recovered one automatic rifle, a pistol, two grenades and ammunition.
Another group of army soldiers from the 55th Infantry Battalion, also battled Abu Dar’s forces in Pagayawan town and killed two militants who were later identified by their nom de guerre as Abu Tahir and Abu Jihad.
But the military said 6 soldiers also perished in the fierce battles and others wounded. It was not immediately known whether the wounded were the same as those reported by the military as missing-in-action.
Lieutenant General Arnel Dela Vega, the regional military commander, said more soldiers were sent to Lanao del Sur to destroy the remaining militants, but he did not say how many more are still fighting the troops.
“Additional troops were deployed to pursue the fleeing terrorists and to ensure the safety and security of the local populace in the area. We also ask for prayers from all peace-loving people of the country for the eternal repose of our heroes and for our wounded soldiers. Your prayers are the most powerful tool for them and for the safety of all those who are still pursuing the enemies,” Dela Vega said.
“We will not stop until we neutralize the remaining terrorists and we dedicate this fight to our fallen comrades. Our soldiers are out there hunting for them ready to fight and die to attain peace in our communities,” he added.
Sporadic fighting is also continuing since March 11 in neighboring Maguindanao province where the 6th Infantry Division claimed to have killed 20 militants from the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and among them was a Singaporean terrorist, Muhammad Ali Bin Abd Al Rahman or Muawiya, a notorious jihadist belonging to the Indonesian Jemaah Islamiya and had been a bomb trainer for the Abu Sayyaf group.
It said as many as 20 militants under Abu Turaife were slain in the assaults in Shariff Saydona town. The reports were based on intelligence information, but army commanders claimed to have seen or recovered pieces of body parts of those killed in an area targeted by military bombardments.
Over 100 militants were being pursued by security forces in the province which is also a stronghold of the rebel group Moro Islamic Liberation Front that signed an interim peace deal with Manila in 2014.
The clashes also killed one soldier and wounded at least 7 more. The military’s Joint Task Force Central said air, artillery and ground operation were continuing not only in Shariff Saydona, but also in the towns of Datu Salibo, Mamasapano and Shariff Aguak where the group of pro-ISIS militant commander Salahudin Hassan was scattered.
It was unclear whether the United States or its Special Forces units deployed in the southern Philippines provided combat or technical support to Filipino troops in battling the militants. US forces are still helping train local military forces in fighting terrorism and were instrumental in supplying intelligence to the Filipino troops during the Marawi siege.
The militant groups have been fighting for the establishment of a caliphate in the restive region which is now called Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. (Mindanao Examiner)
Like Us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mindanaoexaminer
Follow Us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MindanaoExamine
Read And Share Our News: https://www.mindanaoexaminer.com
Mirror Site: https://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com
Digital Archives: https://issuu.com/mindanaoexaminernewspaper
Media Rates: https://mindanaoexaminer.com/ad-rates
Thank you so much for visiting our website. Your small donation will ensure the continued operation of the Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper. Thank you again for supporting us. BPI: 952 5815649 Landbank: 195 113 9935
Colonel Romeo Brawner, commander of the 103rd Infantry Brigade, said army informants have said that Abu Dar was one of those killed by our soldiers in Tubaran town in Lanao del Sur province.
“According to our three informants, one of the slain terrorists was Abu Dar. We already requested the higher headquarters for the DNA test to confirm his neutralization,” he said.
Abu Dar, who was a former commander of the Abu Sayyaf group, had been tagged as behind many terror attacks against civilian and military targets in the Muslim autonomous region. But little information is available on the secluded jihadist leader, whose group had laid siege to Marawi City in 2017 that left hundreds of people dead and wounded, and forced fellow Muslims to flee their homes.
Lieutenant Colonel Edgar Allan Villanueva, commander of the 49th Infantry Battalion, also said that Abu Dar was with a group of armed fighters from Dawlah Islamiya and Maute group numbering about 20 when they clashed with troops. He said 3 militants were slain in that fighting. “During the encounter, Abu Dar was with about twenty of his comrades and we were also able to neutralize three of his cohorts,” he said, adding, they recovered one automatic rifle, a pistol, two grenades and ammunition.
Another group of army soldiers from the 55th Infantry Battalion, also battled Abu Dar’s forces in Pagayawan town and killed two militants who were later identified by their nom de guerre as Abu Tahir and Abu Jihad.
But the military said 6 soldiers also perished in the fierce battles and others wounded. It was not immediately known whether the wounded were the same as those reported by the military as missing-in-action.
Lieutenant General Arnel Dela Vega, the regional military commander, said more soldiers were sent to Lanao del Sur to destroy the remaining militants, but he did not say how many more are still fighting the troops.
“Additional troops were deployed to pursue the fleeing terrorists and to ensure the safety and security of the local populace in the area. We also ask for prayers from all peace-loving people of the country for the eternal repose of our heroes and for our wounded soldiers. Your prayers are the most powerful tool for them and for the safety of all those who are still pursuing the enemies,” Dela Vega said.
“We will not stop until we neutralize the remaining terrorists and we dedicate this fight to our fallen comrades. Our soldiers are out there hunting for them ready to fight and die to attain peace in our communities,” he added.
Sporadic fighting is also continuing since March 11 in neighboring Maguindanao province where the 6th Infantry Division claimed to have killed 20 militants from the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and among them was a Singaporean terrorist, Muhammad Ali Bin Abd Al Rahman or Muawiya, a notorious jihadist belonging to the Indonesian Jemaah Islamiya and had been a bomb trainer for the Abu Sayyaf group.
It said as many as 20 militants under Abu Turaife were slain in the assaults in Shariff Saydona town. The reports were based on intelligence information, but army commanders claimed to have seen or recovered pieces of body parts of those killed in an area targeted by military bombardments.
Over 100 militants were being pursued by security forces in the province which is also a stronghold of the rebel group Moro Islamic Liberation Front that signed an interim peace deal with Manila in 2014.
The clashes also killed one soldier and wounded at least 7 more. The military’s Joint Task Force Central said air, artillery and ground operation were continuing not only in Shariff Saydona, but also in the towns of Datu Salibo, Mamasapano and Shariff Aguak where the group of pro-ISIS militant commander Salahudin Hassan was scattered.
It was unclear whether the United States or its Special Forces units deployed in the southern Philippines provided combat or technical support to Filipino troops in battling the militants. US forces are still helping train local military forces in fighting terrorism and were instrumental in supplying intelligence to the Filipino troops during the Marawi siege.
The militant groups have been fighting for the establishment of a caliphate in the restive region which is now called Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. (Mindanao Examiner)
Like Us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mindanaoexaminer
Follow Us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MindanaoExamine
Read And Share Our News: https://www.mindanaoexaminer.com
Mirror Site: https://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com
Digital Archives: https://issuu.com/mindanaoexaminernewspaper
Media Rates: https://mindanaoexaminer.com/ad-rates
Thank you so much for visiting our website. Your small donation will ensure the continued operation of the Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper. Thank you again for supporting us. BPI: 952 5815649 Landbank: 195 113 9935
Friday, March 15, 2019
5 dead, 3 soldiers missing in fierce fighting in Lanao Sur
COTABATO CITY – Three soldiers and two members of the pro-ISIS Maute group were killed in a vicious battle in southern Philippines, security officials confirmed Friday.
Lt. Gen. Arnel dela Vega, the regional military commander, said three soldiers were also reported missing in the fighting which broke out late Thursday afternoon in the town of Tubaran in the troubled province of Lanao del Sur.
“Three soldiers died while three more are missing-in-action in yesterday’s gunfight. Troops transported the remains of slain soldiers to Iligan City for proper disposition. We console with the families of our departed comrades, who fought valiantly and paid the ultimate sacrifice. We lost not only brave warriors, but comrades who served the nation with such devotion,” Dela Vega said.
He said patrolling troops ran into a group of militants in the village of Dinaigan and fierce fighting erupted and lasted 90 minutes. He said troops recovered the bodies of the slain militants and two automatic rifles with a grenade launcher and rifle grenades, including an automatic pistol and ammunition. “We are more motivated to continue the fight against spoilers of peace and progress in Mindanao,” he said.
Dela Vega said security forces were advancing towards an area where militants were holding out in an effort to flush out and destroy them. “We are advancing upon the enemy target with deliberate offensives, hitting and inflicting heavy casualties on Maute fighters,” he said.
Security forces are currently fighting militants in several fronts in the neighboring Maguindanao province and on Wednesday, the military claimed to have killed nearly two dozen gunmen, including a Singaporean terrorist, Muhammad Ali Bin Abd Al Rahman alias Muawiya, a notorious jihadist belonging to the Indonesian Jemaah Islamiya and had been a bomb trainer for the Abu Sayyaf group.
The 6th Infantry Division said the campaign, which began March 11, was aimed at destroying a huge group of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, whose leaders have pledged allegiance to ISIS. It said those killed in the fighting in Shariff Saydona town were followers of Abu Turaife. The reports were based on intelligence information, but army commanders claimed to have seen or recovered pieces of body parts of those killed in an area targeted by military bombardments.
Over 100 militants were being pursued by security forces in the province which is also a stronghold of the rebel group Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) that signed an interim peace deal with Manila in 2014. The clashes also killed one soldier and wounded at least 7 more.
The military’s Joint Task Force Central (JTFC) said air, artillery and ground operation were continuing not only in Shariff Saydona, but also in the towns of Datu Salibo, Mamasapano and Shariff Aguak where the group of pro-ISIS militant commander Salahudin Hassan was scattered.
The task force revealed that former BIFF members who surrendered to the military had provided intelligence that allowed security forces to track down the locations or hideouts of militants in the province.
“Former BIFF rebels who surrendered to JTFC also supported the information being relayed to locate the specific locations of the terror group. Follow on operations ensured that the terrorists were confined in the area and prevented the spill over as our troops were deployed in the strategic areas,” it said, adding, the military also coordinated with the MILF to prevent any accidental clashes while troops were pursuing the BIFF in the towns.
Philippine authorities have blamed the BIFF and Maute for the series of terror attacks in the restive southern region. (Mindanao Examiner)
Thank you so much for visiting our website. Your small donation will ensure the continued operation of the Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper. Thank you again for supporting us. BPI: 952 5815649 Landbank: 195 113 9935
Lt. Gen. Arnel dela Vega, the regional military commander, said three soldiers were also reported missing in the fighting which broke out late Thursday afternoon in the town of Tubaran in the troubled province of Lanao del Sur.
“Three soldiers died while three more are missing-in-action in yesterday’s gunfight. Troops transported the remains of slain soldiers to Iligan City for proper disposition. We console with the families of our departed comrades, who fought valiantly and paid the ultimate sacrifice. We lost not only brave warriors, but comrades who served the nation with such devotion,” Dela Vega said.
He said patrolling troops ran into a group of militants in the village of Dinaigan and fierce fighting erupted and lasted 90 minutes. He said troops recovered the bodies of the slain militants and two automatic rifles with a grenade launcher and rifle grenades, including an automatic pistol and ammunition. “We are more motivated to continue the fight against spoilers of peace and progress in Mindanao,” he said.
Dela Vega said security forces were advancing towards an area where militants were holding out in an effort to flush out and destroy them. “We are advancing upon the enemy target with deliberate offensives, hitting and inflicting heavy casualties on Maute fighters,” he said.
Security forces are currently fighting militants in several fronts in the neighboring Maguindanao province and on Wednesday, the military claimed to have killed nearly two dozen gunmen, including a Singaporean terrorist, Muhammad Ali Bin Abd Al Rahman alias Muawiya, a notorious jihadist belonging to the Indonesian Jemaah Islamiya and had been a bomb trainer for the Abu Sayyaf group.
The 6th Infantry Division said the campaign, which began March 11, was aimed at destroying a huge group of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, whose leaders have pledged allegiance to ISIS. It said those killed in the fighting in Shariff Saydona town were followers of Abu Turaife. The reports were based on intelligence information, but army commanders claimed to have seen or recovered pieces of body parts of those killed in an area targeted by military bombardments.
Over 100 militants were being pursued by security forces in the province which is also a stronghold of the rebel group Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) that signed an interim peace deal with Manila in 2014. The clashes also killed one soldier and wounded at least 7 more.
The military’s Joint Task Force Central (JTFC) said air, artillery and ground operation were continuing not only in Shariff Saydona, but also in the towns of Datu Salibo, Mamasapano and Shariff Aguak where the group of pro-ISIS militant commander Salahudin Hassan was scattered.
The task force revealed that former BIFF members who surrendered to the military had provided intelligence that allowed security forces to track down the locations or hideouts of militants in the province.
“Former BIFF rebels who surrendered to JTFC also supported the information being relayed to locate the specific locations of the terror group. Follow on operations ensured that the terrorists were confined in the area and prevented the spill over as our troops were deployed in the strategic areas,” it said, adding, the military also coordinated with the MILF to prevent any accidental clashes while troops were pursuing the BIFF in the towns.
Philippine authorities have blamed the BIFF and Maute for the series of terror attacks in the restive southern region. (Mindanao Examiner)
Like Us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mindanaoexaminer
Follow Us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MindanaoExamine
Share Our News: https://www.mindanaoexaminer.com
Mirror Site: https://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com
Digital Archives: https://issuu.com/mindanaoexaminernewspaper
Media Rates: https://mindanaoexaminer.com/ad-rates
Thank you so much for visiting our website. Your small donation will ensure the continued operation of the Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper. Thank you again for supporting us. BPI: 952 5815649 Landbank: 195 113 9935
Friday, January 25, 2019
Troops pursue pro-ISIS fighters in Lanao Sur
PAGADIAN CITY – Government troops were deployed Friday to the Muslim province of Lanao del Sur following fierce fighting between pro-ISIS militants and soldiers that wounded 3 infantrymen, officials said.
Capt. Clint Antipala, a spokesman for the 1st Infantry Division, said the fighting erupted in Sultan Dumalondong town where two army battalions - the 55th and 82nd Infantries - clashed with a group of militants under Abu Dar, who was one of the leaders that laid siege in Marawi City in 2017.
He said fighting broke out on Thursday after troops tracked down Dar’s group on a remote village in the town.
Antipala said there were reports that an undetermined number of militants were slain in the clash. “There are enemy casualties, but we still do not know how many were dead or wounded from the side of Abu Dar’s group. Pursuit operation is going on,” he said.
Col. Romeo Brawner, commander of the 103rd Infantry Brigade, also called on the villagers to stay vigilant as troops were tracking down the militants. “We calling on the public not to panic and not to evacuate because we have everything under control,” he said.
Maj. Gen. Roseller Murillo, commander of the 1st Infantry Division, said the clash was the result of the government’s relentless campaign against the militants. “The armed encounter is the result of our relentless campaign against Maute-ISIS remnants and Abu Dar group.”
While the military operation is going on, 2 militants - one of then a teenager - also surrendered to the 49th Infantry Battalion under Lt. Col. Edgar Allan Villanueva, in the town of Butig, also in Lanao del Sur.
The duo admitted fighting security forces during the Marawi siege that left hundreds of militants and soldiers dead and wounded. They are currently being interrogated at an undisclosed military base. (Mindanao Examiner)
Like Us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mindanaoexaminer
Follow Us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MindanaoExamine
Read And Share Our News: https://www.mindanaoexaminer.com
Mirror Site: https://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com
Digital Archives: https://issuu.com/mindanaoexaminernewspaper
See Media Rates: https://mindanaoexaminer.com/ad-rates
Capt. Clint Antipala, a spokesman for the 1st Infantry Division, said the fighting erupted in Sultan Dumalondong town where two army battalions - the 55th and 82nd Infantries - clashed with a group of militants under Abu Dar, who was one of the leaders that laid siege in Marawi City in 2017.
He said fighting broke out on Thursday after troops tracked down Dar’s group on a remote village in the town.
Antipala said there were reports that an undetermined number of militants were slain in the clash. “There are enemy casualties, but we still do not know how many were dead or wounded from the side of Abu Dar’s group. Pursuit operation is going on,” he said.
Col. Romeo Brawner, commander of the 103rd Infantry Brigade, also called on the villagers to stay vigilant as troops were tracking down the militants. “We calling on the public not to panic and not to evacuate because we have everything under control,” he said.
Maj. Gen. Roseller Murillo, commander of the 1st Infantry Division, said the clash was the result of the government’s relentless campaign against the militants. “The armed encounter is the result of our relentless campaign against Maute-ISIS remnants and Abu Dar group.”
While the military operation is going on, 2 militants - one of then a teenager - also surrendered to the 49th Infantry Battalion under Lt. Col. Edgar Allan Villanueva, in the town of Butig, also in Lanao del Sur.
The duo admitted fighting security forces during the Marawi siege that left hundreds of militants and soldiers dead and wounded. They are currently being interrogated at an undisclosed military base. (Mindanao Examiner)
Like Us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mindanaoexaminer
Follow Us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MindanaoExamine
Read And Share Our News: https://www.mindanaoexaminer.com
Mirror Site: https://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com
Digital Archives: https://issuu.com/mindanaoexaminernewspaper
See Media Rates: https://mindanaoexaminer.com/ad-rates
Sunday, January 13, 2019
3 militants yield in Lanao del Sur
PAGADIAN CITY – Three pro-ISIS fighters have surrendered to the military in southern Philippines where security forces are battling several militant groups seeking to put up a strict caliphate in the troubled region.
Capt. Clint Antipala, a spokesman for the 1st Infantry Division, said the trio – who fought troops during the Marawi City siege in 2017 – also yielded one anti-tank rocket launcher, a grenade launcher and one M1 rifle and ammunition when they surrendered January 12 to the 82nd Infantry Battalion in Lanao del Sur’s Piagapo town.
Two of their companions earlier surrendered to the 55th Infantry Battalion in Pagayawan town.
“Dissatisfied and discontented with the leadership and capabilities of the group is the reason why they’ve surrendered,” Antipala said, quoting Lt. Col. Jumawan, 82nd Infantry Battalion commander.
Maj. Gen. Roseller Murillo, the division commander, praised soldiers for their efforts in convincing militants to surrender. “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,” he said, according to Antipala.
Antipala also released photos of the trio, but all their faces were blurred and cannot be used for news. Their names were not made public. (Mindanao Examiner)
Like Us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mindanaoexaminer
Follow Us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MindanaoExamine
Read And Share Our News: https://www.mindanaoexaminer.com
Mirror Site: https://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com
Digital Archives: https://issuu.com/mindanaoexaminernewspaper
See Media Rates: https://mindanaoexaminer.com/ad-rates
Capt. Clint Antipala, a spokesman for the 1st Infantry Division, said the trio – who fought troops during the Marawi City siege in 2017 – also yielded one anti-tank rocket launcher, a grenade launcher and one M1 rifle and ammunition when they surrendered January 12 to the 82nd Infantry Battalion in Lanao del Sur’s Piagapo town.
Two of their companions earlier surrendered to the 55th Infantry Battalion in Pagayawan town.
“Dissatisfied and discontented with the leadership and capabilities of the group is the reason why they’ve surrendered,” Antipala said, quoting Lt. Col. Jumawan, 82nd Infantry Battalion commander.
Maj. Gen. Roseller Murillo, the division commander, praised soldiers for their efforts in convincing militants to surrender. “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,” he said, according to Antipala.
Antipala also released photos of the trio, but all their faces were blurred and cannot be used for news. Their names were not made public. (Mindanao Examiner)
Like Us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mindanaoexaminer
Follow Us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MindanaoExamine
Read And Share Our News: https://www.mindanaoexaminer.com
Mirror Site: https://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com
Digital Archives: https://issuu.com/mindanaoexaminernewspaper
See Media Rates: https://mindanaoexaminer.com/ad-rates
Tuesday, October 30, 2018
Young pro-ISIS fighter yields
PAGADIAN CITY – The Philippine Army is holding a young pro-ISIS fighter after he surrendered in the province of Lanao del Sur in southern Philippines where security forces are hunting down militants fighting for a caliphate in the troubled region.
Military photos released to the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner show Asnor with other pro-ISIS fighters.
The 18-year old fighter, whose nom de guerre is Asnor, was actively engaged in battling government troops in Lanao del Sur following his recruitment by the Maute Group when he was 14.
Asnor told army interrogators that he was recruited by militant leader Abdullah Maute in 2014 along with a dozen children to fight for a separate Muslim homeland.
Capt. Clint Antipala, a spokesman for the 1st Infantry Division, has confirmed the surrender of Asnor to the 49th Infantry Battalion under Lt. Col. Edgar Allan Villanueva in the town of Butig. “Asnor was 14- years old when he was recruited by Maute ISIS leader Abdullah Maute in 2014 together with 12 other minors,” he said, adding, the youngest recruit was only 9 years old.
The fate of the young fighters was still unknown. “Custodial debriefing is still on-going,” Antipala said.
Maj. Gen. Roseller Murillo, the division commander, lauded the surrender of the young militant. “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.
The Maute Group and Abu Sayyaf fighters occupied Marawi City in Lanao del Sur last year in an effort to declare a caliphate, but security forces battled militants numbering about 200 for five months ending the deadly siege. (Mindanao Examiner)
Like Us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mindanaoexaminer
Follow Us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MindanaoExamine
Read And Share Our News: https://www.mindanaoexaminer.com/
Visit our Blog: https://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/
Digital Archives: https://issuu.com/mindanaoexaminernewspaper
See Media Rates: https://mindanaoexaminer.com/ad-rates/
Saturday, October 20, 2018
3 pro-ISIS fighters yield in Lanao Sur
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Philippine Army said it has in custody 3 pro-ISIS militants who surrendered to village officials in the southern province of Lanao del Sur.
Capt. Clint Antipala, a spokesman for the 1st Infantry Division, said the trio surrendered on Thursday in Masiu town and were all taken into custody by Lt. Col. Edgar Villanueva, commander of the 49th Infantry Battalion. He said the militants, who were members of the Maute Group, also yielded an anti-tank rocket launcher and a .45-caliber pistol.
Antipala said villager leaders led by Alonto Gubar, Hamil Gubar and Maliksaif Masjida helped in the trio’s peaceful surrender. “The custodial debriefing of the trio is still on-going,” he said without identifying the militants, but other sources told the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner that one of them is Moamar Mocsir.
Villanueva also said that one of the militants was involved in fierce clashes with troops in Pagayawan town in June this year. “They were recruited during the Marawi Siege last year, however, they were not able to insert in the main battle area due to the relentless security efforts and checkpoints around the lake. One of them was involved in Pagayawan clash last June,” he said.
Maj. Gen. Roseller Murillo, the division commander, welcomed the surrender of the militants and praised those who helped in convincing them to return to the fold of law. “We will continuously collaborate with different stakeholders and concerned citizens to encourage other Maute-ISIS remnants to surrender and go back to mainstream society,” he said.
The militant group, along with other pro-ISIS fighters occupied Marawi and battled security forces for 5 months until their leaders and key commanders had been killed, but the military assault – both air and land - destroyed the city and displaced all residents there. (Mindanao Examiner)
Like Us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mindanaoexaminer
Follow Us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MindanaoExamine
Read And Share Our News: https://www.mindanaoexaminer.com
Digital Archives: https://issuu.com/mindanaoexaminernewspaper
See Media Rates: https://mindanaoexaminer.com/ad-rates
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
