Kalinaw News: Patikul Mayor Accepts Former ASG Members in Sulu

Posted to Kalinaw News (Nov 15, 2021): Patikul Mayor Accepts Former ASG Members in Sulu



November 15 2021, Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Jolo, Sulu – Thirteen Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members formally return to the folds of government yesterday at 1103rd Infantry Brigade (1103Bde) Headquaters in Brgy Bon-Bon, Patikul, Sulu.

1103rd Bde Commander BGen Benjamin G Batara identified the former bandits as Ladok Alih Alina, Alkaiser Faisal Ladjahali, Bennajar R Jalmaan, Asaral Sakandal Asorani, Almujir Naning Salammudin, Juli Ansa Uppih, Randimar Isa Kiram, Makrim Jumhala Habbisi, Hakem S Asanji, Aisari M Sadri, Tista Juhurim Hussien, Sibar Juhurim Hussien and Jabir Sahi Nuni. They also turned over ten M1 Garand Rifle, two M16 rifle, one M79 GL with one round 40mm ammo and one 9mm pistol.

“They came from various armed groups. Some were under ASG leader Radullan Sahiron others from the groups of late Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan, late Amah Ullah, late Alhabsy Misaya, Idang Susukan, late Muammar Aalaki and late Hairulla Asbang,” said BGen Batara.

The returnees handed over their fire arms to Patikul Mayor Kabir E Hayudini and 11th Infantry Division Commander MGen William N Gonzales.

One of the returnees is 37-year old Tista Juhurim Hussein of Brgy Pansul Patikul, same province. In an interview, he shared that his deceased father, Juhurim Hussein, was the right hand of Sahiron.

“Doon na po ako lumaki sa ASG. Sinasama ho ako ng tatay namin sa bundok kaya halos Pansul at mga bundok lang ho sa Patikul ang nalalaman ko. Sabi ho dati ng tatay, kapag kami ay lumapit sa sundalo, papatayin lang kami. Pero ngayon ho nandito ako, nakikipag-usap ng maganda sa mga sundalo at kay Mayor, panatag na talaga ang loob ko. Ayaw na po naming lumaban. Parang hindi ko na po nakikitaan ng katuturan ang pakikipagpatayan, pare-pareho naman ho tayong Pilipino,” Tista said.

According to him, it is his and his brothers first time to step into the town of Jolo just a few days ago.

During his speech, Mayor Hayudini committed his full support for the returnees present. “Bilang ama ng Patikul, Tuwang-tuwa ako na nagbalik na kayo. Kasama sina BGen Batara at si MGen Gonzales inaayos na natin ang Patikul. Mayroon tayong Balik Barangay, kasama kayo doon.”

For his part, MGen Gonzales commended the efforts of 32nd Infantry Battalion, 6th Special Forces Battalion and 45th Infantry Battalion, all under 1103Bde, for facilitating the surrender of ASG members. He also assured the returnees that they will continuously receive assistance as they transition to a life of peace.

“Marami kaming handang tumulong sa inyo, mga miyembro ng Municipal Task Force in Ending Local Armes Conflict at iba pang mga non-government organizations. Inaasahan ko na tutulong din kayo. Tulungan njyo ang inyong mga sarili, tulungan niyo na makapag bagong buhay din ang mg dati niyong kasama.” -MGen Gonzales

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