Kalinaw News: JTF SULU, Talipao MTF ELAC yields 10 ASG Returnees

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 28, 2021): JTF SULU, Talipao MTF ELAC yields 10 ASG Returnees



October 28, 2021, Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista, Jolo, Sulu- Ten former members of Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) were presented by units under JTF Sulu to the Talipao Municipal Task Force to End Local Armed Conflict (MTF-ELAC) at the Lincoln Hall, Talipao Municipal Hall, Brgy Bilaan, Talipao, Sulu.

During the ceremony, the ASG returnees were acknowledged by the Local Government Unit to undergo the ASG Reintegration Program.

The returnees were identified as Amil Isnain Jamih @Amil, Rado Wahing, Bellor Amad, Saburani Paduh, Alvin Jakkah, Nassir Bassal, Benajar Isnari, Cisar Killih, Abdunnur Alawi and Fradzkan Sayyadi. Most of the ASG Returnees were from the group of ASG Leader Radulan Sahiron. They surrendered a total of six M1 Garand rifles and one cal 45 pistol.

“These ASG Returnees is a tangible proof of our intensified campaign to free Sulu from ASG influence. This is a testament to our AFP’s commitment to win the peace. From a once lethal force, we have gone a long way to provide a non-lethal option to win the peace.” Notes MGen William I Gonzales, Commander of the Joint Task Force – Sulu.

Of the ten returnees, eight were yielded by the 2nd Special Forces Battalion (2SFBn) under Ltc Benito G Ramos Jr, one from the 15CMO Battalion under Ltc Nelicar E Corsino while the remaining ASG returnee surrendered to the 111th Military Intelligence Company.
The Municipality of Talipao sees the snowballing ASG Returnees as a positive development.

“We are welcoming our brothers who have been victimized by the wrongdoings of the Abu Sayyaf Group. We are committed to end the ASGs influence in our Municipality. With the strong partnership of our security forces, peace and development will reign in Talipao” said Hon. Nivocadnezar I Tulawie, Mayor of Talipao Municipality.

Since the launching of Talipao’s MTF-ELAC, twelve ASG returnees have yield, with more active fighters signifying to return to the folds of the law once the mechanism (MTF ELAC) delivers as promised.

The operationalization of Talipao’s MTF ELAC was initiated through the efforts of the 1101st Infantry Brigade with the aid of 2SFBn.

“The military is just a part of the overall solution to thwart terrorism. By providing a secured environment to enable governance, we are capacitating our partners to actively resolve the root causes of armed struggle through a much more localized and less invasive approach.” Notes Col Eugenio Boquio, Commander of the 1101st Infantry Brigade.

To facilitate their legal documentation and eventual mainstreaming as civilians, PCPT Jemu W Ramolete, OIC Municipal Police Office of Talipao presented PNP Security Clearance to the former ASG members.

Also witnessing the event is Provincial Task Force Sulu – ELAC’s newly installed focal person, Mr Noenyrie Asiri.

Last month, the PTF-ELAC provided 1.2kms of water pipe for the construction of a water system in the conflict-affected community of Brgy Bud Bunga in Talipao. Among those who benefited from the program were families of the returnees.

In an interview, 52yrs old Bellor Amah resident of Brgy Bud Bunga revealed that he joined ASG for almost 20 years until he realized that he wants to live at peace with his family.

“Minsan may mga oras na maayos at mahirap sa loob ng grupo ngunit napagtanto ko na mas okay na mamuhay na hindi patago-tago,nakakapagod na rin makipagbakbakan. Ayoko na rin mawalay sa aking mga anak,” Amad said.

Benajar Isnari, another returnee, revealed that he was encouraged by his son, a member of CAFGU to surrender to the authorities. He was forced to joined the ASG due to “rido” or clan war.

Since Talipao’s MTF ELAC’s operationalization, the 2nd Special Forces Battalion has endorsed 36 returnees to the Task Force to undergo the ASG Reintegration Program.

The military is keen on ridding Sulu of ASG influence through these interventions.

“JTF Sulu will uphold our mandate to protect the Filipino People. With our Tausug brothers and sisters, we will bring an end to the ASGs influence in the Province of Sulu,” MGen Gonzales ends.

[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/jtf-sulu-talipao-mtf-elac-yields-10-asg-returnees/