Kalinaw News: Three alleged Abu Sayyaf members yield in Sulu

From the Kalinaw News Website (Jul 14, 2021): Three alleged Abu Sayyaf members yield in Sulu



July 14, 2021, Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista, Jolo, Sulu- Three former members of Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) formally surrender during a localized integration ceremony held at 1102nd Infantry Brigade headquarters in Brgy Tagbak Indanan, Sulu.

Following the surrender of nine (9) ASG members last 03 of July, another three-member yield to 6th Special Forces Battalion Commander LTC Rafael P Ciado. The said former ASG members were presented by 1102nd Infantry Brigade Commander BGen Benjamin G Batara to General Officer-in-Charge of 11th Infantry Division and 1101st Brigade Commander BGen Antonio I Bautista Jr. The former member pledged their commitment to a life of peace.

According to 6th Special Forces Battalion Commander Ltc Rafael P Caido, the surrenderors were identified as Wilson Kasim, 31 yrs old under late ASG sub-leader Hairulla Asbang; @Rom, 40yrs old under ASG sub-leader Muhandon Arok and Ekoh Udjaman; @Ronimar, 22yrs old under the ASG sub-leader Idang Susukan. The surrenderors are from the Municipality of Patikul. They brought with them their M16 rifle, M1 Garand Rifle, and Cal .45 pistols.

In an interview, Ronimar revealed that he joined ASG around 2016 – due to lack of financial income. “Nadala lang po ako tukso ng pera, niyaya po ako ng isa kong barkada na sumama sa grupo dahil gusto ko po makatulong sa aking pamilya,” Ronimar said.

“We have this program with local government units that gives a lot of opportunities for you to start anew. I hope that other members would also come forward and free themselves from fear that they may be reported to government forces or they might be tracked down by their former comrades. I commend the 6th Special Forces Battalion and Municipal TF ELAC for actively reaching out to our brothers who now want to start a new life,’’ said BGen Bautista.

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/three-alleged-abu-sayyaf-members-yield-in-sulu/