Two ASG supporters surrender and yield firearms in Basilan

From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 18, 2021): Two ASG supporters surrender and yield firearms in Basilan (By Rene V. Carbayas)

LAMITAN CITY, Basilan, Feb 18 (PIA) –Two identified Abu Sayyaf Group supporters in Hadji Mohammad Ajul in Basilan voluntarily surrendered to the 15th Special Forces Company in Sitio Dangkalan of Barangay Kulaybato, Lamitan City on Tuesday (Feb 16).

The two ASG supporters were identified as Abdurahman Tueblani Amuqban alias Arab and Amil Omar Husin alias Taiko, who are both residents of Barangay Candiis in the Municipality of Hadji Mohammad Ajul, Basilan Province.

The two surrenderees also yielded to the military their high-powered firearms, which include one (1) M16 Rifle and one (1) homemade M79 grenade launcher.

Accordingly, the two ASG supporters belonged to the Omar Group who provides logistical support to ASG sub-leader Furuji Indama at the height of Basilan insurgency in 2008.

With the improving peace and order situation in Basilan Province at present, they voluntarily surrendered themselves to the local authorities in order to start a new life as they have been laying low for almost a decade.

Captain Sherwin Latiera, the Commanding Officer of the 15th Special Forces Company warmly welcomed them and encouraged other ASG supporters to also lay down their arms and embrace lasting peace.

“Walang magandang patutunguhan ang paghawak ng armas at pagsuporta sa mga teroristang grupo. Kaya hinihikayat natin ang iba na sumuko na at magbalik-loob sa pamahalaan,” Captain Latiera said. (NBE/RVC/PIA Basilan with reports from 4th Special Forces Battalion, Philippine Army)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1067252