ZAMBOANGA CITY – Eighteen members of the Dawlah Islamiya (DI), including their spokesperson, surrendered to the 92nd Infantry Battalion (92IB) in Maguindanao del Sur, the military said Thursday.

Lt. Col. Christian Cabading, 92IB commander, presented them to Brig. Gen. Vladimir Cagara, commander of the 1st Brigade Combat Team (1BCT) on Tuesday, at the headquarters of the battalion in Barangay Salbu, Datu Saudi Ampatuan.

They turned over a caliber .50 rifle, an M4 rifle, one M16A1 rifle, three M14 rifles, one Garand rifle, six sniper rifles, one Carbine, one Uzi, two 60-millimeter mortars and four rocket-propelled grenades.

"The surrender of these DI members, especially their spokesperson, is clear proof that those within the terrorist group are losing faith in their false cause. This is also a result of the tireless support of our local leaders, stakeholders, and the people who desire true peace,” Cagara said. DMS