MARAWI CITY – Eight alleged members of the Maute terror group voluntarily surrendered to operating troops at Mapandi area in Marawi City, it was learned yesterday.
The identities of the surrenderees are temporarily withheld pending continuous tactical interrogation on the alleged members of the Islamic State (IS)-backed bandits.
According to sources here, the eight outlaws voluntarily surrendered in the gunfight after sensing that they are being outgunned and outnumbered on Sunday.
The 2nd Marines Brigade Joint Task Force Tiger (2nd MB-JTFT led by its commander Brig. Gen. Custodio Parcon is currently tasked to clear the area from Maute group at Mapandi.
An estimated 40 Maute terrorists are being pursued by the 2nd MB-JTFT at Mapandi area.
“Sporadic at hindi commensurate ang labanan sa Mapandi kasi tatakbo din kaagad ang mga kalaban (Maute),” said a ground Marine officer who requested anonymity.
The Marine officers said that running a gunbattle against the Maute took place at Mapandi area.
“We hit them hard then they ran,” the Marine officer added.
Other government security forces are also operating against the remaining Maute group in this war-torn Muslim-dominated city of Marawi.
The clearing operations are now on its eight day since the Maute terrorists attacked the city Last Tuesday.
Security forces have sealed off the supply routes of the Maute Group as police and military forces continued to conduct operations to retake Marawi City from the extremist gunmen.
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa said the mass evacuation of local residents would also make it easier for government forces to conduct operations as it already lessened the risk of civilian casualties. (CAMCER IMAM & MIKE U. CRISMUNDO)