ZAMBOANGA CITY — A member of the Islamic State for Iraq and Syria (ISIS)-inspired Maute group, who was recruited at the age of 14, has surrendered to military authorities in Lanao del Sur, military officials said Tuesday.
Lt. Col. Edgar Allan Villanueva, Army’s 49th Infantry Battalion commander, identified him only as a certain Asnor, now 18 years old.
Villanueva said Asnor surrendered to them on Monday in Butig, Lanao del Sur. He said Asnor was 14 years old when he was recruited by the late Maute leader Abdullah Maute in 2014 together with other 12 minors.
“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,” the Army official said.
Asnor decided to hide after his involvement in the two clashes with government troops in Lanao del Sur, he said.
Maj. Gen. Roseller Murillo, the Army’s 1st Infantry Division commander, commended the efforts of troops who facilitated the surrender of the young Maute group member.
“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 (in life),” said Murillo, who is also the Joint Task Force Zampelan commander.
The surrender of Asnor brought to 20 Maute members who have yielded to authorities this month. (Teofilo Garcia, Jr/PNA)
