Kalinaw News: Eastern Sulu based ASG member surrenders to troops of JTF-Sulu

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 28, 2020): Eastern Sulu based ASG member surrenders to troops of JTF-Sulu



December 28, 2020, Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista, Jolo, Sulu – The 4th Marine Brigade welcomes the surrender of another Abu Sayyaf Group bandit.

Today, another ASG member from eastern Sulu have decided to lay down arms and surrender to security forces in Sulu led by Major General William N. Gonzales, Commander of Joint Task Force – Sulu (JTF-Sulu) and 11th Infantry Division.

“Along with his M16 rifle, 22 year-old ASG member Akri Bauddin Abdulhamsi under deceased ASG subleader Hairula Abdurajja surrendered to the JTF-Sulu’s 4th Marine Brigade (4MBde) led by Colonel Hernanie S. Songano. Abdulhamsi have also disclosed he was also utilized by ASG subleader Tista as an operator of M60 machine gun,” said MGen Gonzales.

Earlier this month of December, thirty-six former ASG members and supporters were also welcomed by MGen Gonzales and former 4MBde Commander Colonel Ruben B Candelario. According to Col Songano this trend of ASG finally returning to a life of peace was due to the fact that their leaders are already neutralized.

“Eastern Sulu based ASG leaders Hatib Munap Binda and Ismael Barahama alias Bencio were killed in a combat operation last November 20, 2020. So just like what is happening in other parts of the province, the ASG in our area of operation is experiencing a vacuum in their leadership,” said Col Songano.

To recall, two ASG subleader and fifteen ASG members have surrendered to the infantry brigades of the JTF-S. According to MGen Gonzales, this is the result of the mutual trust between the government forces and the local populace of the province.

“The people of Sulu have actively supported us in our fight to put an end to terrorism. We trust that they will continue to give tip-offs on ASG presence and that they will convince other bandits to return to a life of peace. In turn, we promise that the returnees will be treated fairly and will be given a chance for a new beginning. The JTF-Sulu, line government agencies, and local government units are always coordinating and collaborating on how the returnees could be reintegrated to the community,” MGen Gonzales added.

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https://www.kalinawnews.com/eastern-sulu-based-asg-member-surrenders-troops-of-jtf-sulu/