MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA) -- After a firefight recently ensued between the government troops and the militants of the Dawlah Islamiya Maute Group (DI-MG) in Piagapo town in Lanao del Sur province, the Western Mindanao Command has echoed once again its plea to society to be one and partake in the crusade against the terrorist groups.

Commander Lt. Gen. William Gonzales stressed that the campaign to combat the extremists was not merely about operational and tactical moves, considering that the efforts of the citizenry were deemed highly significant. 

He shared that they have been coordinating with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), religious leaders, and local government units (LGUs) to guarantee a well-carried task. 

Gonzales also affirmed that the national government has been directly backing them while they have been addressing the existence of armed groups.

“Iyong accomplishment na ito ay hindi lang puro law enforcement operation. Kailangan din natin ng tulong ng ibang stakeholders [This accomplishment is not just purely a law enforcement operation. We also need the help of other stakeholders]," he said. 

On the part of the national government, Gonzales said the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. has been facilitating the provision of benefits for the former violent extremists who surrendered, including their families. 

He stated that it was through giving chances and aid that they could stir additional DI-MG members to yield. 

With this, Gonzales was optimistic that in the coming days, more combatants would be returning to the fold of law.

“Expect na maraming magsusurrender sa lalong madaling panahon [expect that a lot will surrender as soon as possible] with the help of everybody and with the direction and support from the national government and MILF brothers. Malulutas natin ang problema natin sa terorismo [We can resolve our problem with terrorism],” he said. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)