Kalinaw News: Four ASG Bandits Yield to troops in Sulu; Attributed to leadership Collapse

From Kalinaw News (Feb 7, 2021): Four ASG Bandits Yield to troops in Sulu; Attributed to leadership Collapse



February 07, 2021, Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Baustista ,Jolo, Sulu – Yesterday, former bandits were welcomed at the JTF-Sulu Headquarters. According to them, Sulu-based Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members have lost unity and direction since the death of leader Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan and other sub-leaders.

Following the surrender of seventeen (17) ASG members last month, another four yield to Joint Task Force – Sulu and 11th Infantry Division Commander MGen William N Gonzales. In the presence of all line unit commanders, the former bandits sincerely pledged their commitment to a life of peace.

1102nd Infantry Brigade Commander BGen Antonio I Bautista Jr identified the two as Almudar A Muhajiri and Titong Karnan, both under ASG Leader Radulan Sahiron. “They voluntarily surrendered M16A rifle and FN (Gew Kal 7.62), this is through the efforts of 100th Infantry Battalion led by Ltc Alex H Gagula,” said BGen Bautista.

Meanwhile, 6th Special Forces Battalion (6SFBn) under Ltc Rafael P Caido facilitated the surrender of ASG members Fahad Amsad Abdah under late ASG sub-leader Hairulla Asbang and Lino Adian Muhalim under late ASG sub-leader Alhabsy Misaya. They also each brought and submitted their own M1 Garand Rifle as proof of their sincerity.

As per 1102nd Brigade Commander Col Benjamin G Batara Jr., who has operational control over 6SFBn, this was the product of series of intercessions in connection with the continuous campaign effort of the local government of Patikul and the army units in the area.

For his part, MGen William N Gonzales said that he and Sulu Governor Abdusakur M Tan are working on finalizing the arrangements for a formalized deradicalization and rehabilitation program for former ASG members. “The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) is downloading funds. We are planning for halfway house, livelihood programs and scholarships for the children of former ASG members. I myself and Governor Tan directly coordinate with OPAPP Secretary Carlito G Galvez Jr on how to effectively implement these programs. This is important so all can start anew and Sulu can continue towards peace and development,” said MGen Gonzales.

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