Kalinaw News: Former ASG members surrender to JTF Sulu; to begin reintegration program

Posted to Kalinaw News (Sep 14, 2021): Former ASG members surrender to JTF Sulu; to begin reintegration program



September 14, 2021- Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista, Jolo, Sulu – Today, a father and son who was an Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) member formally surrendered to unit under 11th Infantry Division led by MGen William N Gonzales at Municipal Hall, Brgy Bilaan, Talipao, Sulu.

2nd Special Forces Battalion Commanding Officer Ltc Benito Ramos Jr presented another two (2) surrenderors to MGen Gonzales during a simple ceremony for the ASG Returnee Reintegration Program. The former bandits were identified as @Isniruddin Haliluddin, 65yrs old and @Bennajar Isniruddin, 39 yrs old both a resident of So Bud Sampul, Bgry Kulambo, Talipao Sulu.

1101st Bde Commander Col Eugenio C Boquio said through the collaborative efforts of Talipao Municipal Task Force in Ending Local Armed Conflict (MTF-ELAC), Talipao Local Government Unit and Joint Task Force Sulu (JTF-Sulu) made possible that the former ASG members returned to the folds of the law. The former bandits were under ASG sub-leader Radullan Sahiron and also turnover M79 grenade launcher and a garand rifle.

In an interview, @Isniruddin Haliluddin and @Bennajar Isniruddin who were father and son revealed how they were recruited in the group. “Napasama po ako sa grupo nang dahil sa Rido, napasama rin po sa mga encounter ngunit di nagtagal nagkaayos ay tumiwalag din po ako sa grupo.” Isniruddin said. “Napasama po ako sa grupo sa kadahilanang ang ilang kasamahan ay humingi po ng tulong sa pamamagitan ng pagdadala ng pagkain. Dahil sa hindi po maganda ang buhay ay pinagpasyahan ko pong sumuko.” Bennajar added.

In his speech, Joint Task Force Sulu and 11th Infantry Division Commander MGen William N Gonzales extended his gratitude to all unit and local government units. “We have this program with local government unit that gives a lot of opportunities for you to start anew. With our sustained efforts, the downfall of the ASG is inevitable. We will continue our concerted efforts to achieve our short and long term goals. 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 all units and Municipal Task Force in Ending Local Armed Conflict (MTF – ELAC) for actively reaching out to our brothers who now wants to start a new life,’’ MGen said

Present during the ceremony were 21st Infantry Battalion Commanding Officer Ltc Eddie R Abolencia, Talipao Municipal Mayor, Hon Nivocadnezar I Tulawie, other military officers and Local Government Unit officials.

[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/former-asg-members-surrender-to-jtf-sulu-to-begin-reintegration-program/