Kalinaw News: Two notorious ASG members yield to military in Sulu

From Kalinaw News (Jun 28, 2022): Two notorious ASG members yield to military in Sulu



Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Jolo,Sulu – June 17, 2022

Two (2) notorious Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) sub-leader voluntarily surrendered to Joint Task Force (JTF) Sulu and 11th Infantry “Alakdan” Division at its headquarters in Camp Teodulfo Bautista, Jolo, Sulu on June 17, 2022.

According to JTF Sulu Commander Maj. Gen. Ignatius N. Patrimonio, the ASG sub-leader was identified as a.k.a. Mujer Yadah, 55 years old and ASG sub-leader a.k.a. Ben Tatto, 41 years old both under ASG –Indanan kidnap-for-ransom group senior leader a.k.a Apo Mike.

“The ASG returnees also brought with them two (2) M16 rifle”, said Maj. Gen. Patrimonio.

During the interview, a.k.a Mujer had been with the group of ASG senior leader Apo Mike since 2002 and was involved in a kidnap-for-ransom group, bombing and beheading of foreign nation and local kidnap victims. After the death of their leader, they were always on the run, has no place to hide, exhausted and often experienced starvation. He also revealed that they no longer have the support of the community which prompted them to go back to the folds of the law.

Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Benjamin Batara Jr. credited that, ” the voluntary surrender of the ASG members was through the concerted efforts of 32nd Infantry Battalion, 6th Special Forces Battalion, 45th Infantry Battalion, the police counterpart of Sulu Provincial Police Office, 7th Special Action Battalion, Special Action Force and Regional Intelligence Unit -9, ” said Brig. Gen. Batara.

Moreso, Police Col. Jaime Mojica, Provincial Director in Sulu narrated that the ASG members had been served with several warrant of arrrest for kidnapping for ransom (KFR) with homicide and kidnapping and serious illegal detention.

“As the military formally handed the ASG retrunees to us, they will properly undergo legal process”, said PCol Mojica.

In a closing statement, Maj. Gen. Patrimonio lauded the convergence of efforts that brought the ASG members back to the fold of the law.

“This is indicative of our successful peace and security campaign in Sulu. The decision of the ASG returnees will contribute to induce more ASG members who has standing warrants to return to the fold of the law who are in doubt to surrender,” said Maj. Gen. Patrimonio.

“This is now the right time for you to lay down your arms, avail the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) and live peacefully”, Maj. Gen. Pateimonio concluded.

Since January this year, a total of 67 ASG members voluntarily surrendered to JTF Sulu bringing along with them 35 high-powered firearms and 9 low-powered firearms.

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