Kalinaw News: Two subleaders and 13 other ASG bandits surrender to Alakdan Division

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 11, 2020): Two subleaders and 13 other ASG bandits surrender to Alakdan Division

December 11, 2020, Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista, Jolo, Sulu – Top Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) subleaders surrender to the units under MGen William N Gonzales, Commander of 11th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force – Sulu.

Today, the 1101st Infantry “Gagandilan” Brigade (1101st Bde) led by Col Antonio I Bautista held a formal program for the return of 15 ASG surrenderees along with their 14 firearms. Col Bautista introduced them to MGen Gonzales including ASG subleader Alvin Yusop @Arab Puti under senior leader Radulan Sahiron, and ASG subleader Barahim Nurjahar under deceased senior leader Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan. Both the subleaders surrendered through the concerted effort of the 1101st Bde and the 1102nd Infatntry “Ganarul” Brigade led by BGen Ignatius Patrimonio.

In his message, MGen Gonzales was very glad to welcome the surrender two subgroups’ leader. “I commend both the Ganarul and Gagandilan. Imagine, even Arab Puti, ringleader of the ASG’s urban criminal group around 2017 and the most trusted of Radulan Sahiron came to his senses and laid down his arms.”

According to BGen Patrimonio, Arab Puti was a kidnapper and a close-in of Sahiron and but was convinced by his family as Arab Puti’s mother was stricken with a stroke. Furthermore, the latter said that he wanted to change for the better for the sake of his four children.

Meanwhile, government forces also have long been in the hunt for then ASG subleader Barahim Nurjahar. “The presence of government troops drove out Nurjahar from his stronghold and caused him to starve. Realizing that his struggle has no sense, he approached that MNLF Jikiri faction who then linked him to us for his proper surrender,” Col Bautista said. “Nurjahar was the man behind then kidnapping of the sister of a mayor in Sulu. He will face proper legal proceedings and is now willing to cooperate with government forces,” he added.

The brigades also facilitated surrender of two sons of ASG subleader and kidnapper Apoh Mike namely: Muarip Adja @Arip and Hatimil Adja @Timmir. Rerportedly, the latter was present when ASG senior leader Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan died. Meanwhile, it was specifically the 41st Infantry Battalion led by Ltc James Erasmus F Gagni who facilitated the surrender of @Arip. Per Ltc Gagni, this is the result of their community support program and their peace covenant with the residents of Maimbung. Amongst the returnees present, four others were facilitated by the aforementioned battalion.

The 15th Civil Military Operations Battalion and the 100th Infantry Battalion also brought their returnees for them to personally meet MGen Gonzales. The Division Commander promised that a full-on integration program mainly comprised of livelihood assistance is on its way.

“We are teaming up with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process and the Office of the Governor so that you can start a new life. Go on and raise your kids to be peace-loving citizens. Tell the others (ASG members), tell Apoh Mike, that they are welcome so long as they are sincere, willing to face the rule of law, and most of all ready to cooperate in our fight for peace here in Sulu.” MGen Gonzales addressed the returnees

https://www.kalinawnews.com/two-subleaders-and-13-other-asg-bandits-surrender-to-alakdan-division/