ASG members yield to government forces

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 21, 2023): ASG members yield to government forces

Camp Bautista Jolo, Sulu – April 20, 2023

Four (4) Abu Sayyaf members voluntarily surrendered to the 1101st Infantry “Gagandilan” Brigade of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Sulu at Barangay Saimbangon, Pata, Sulu on April 17, 2023.

According to Brig. Gen. Eugenio C. Boquio, Commander of 1101st Brigade, “The surrender was made possible through the efforts of the 2nd Special Forces Battalion under the leadership of Lt. Col. Benito G. Ramos. They were identified as @Tapsil, @Ridong, @Uram, and @Mimpe, all formerly under ASG Sub-leader Galib-Andang @Robot. Moreso, they formally handed-over one (1) 5.56mm M16 Rifle, two (2) Cal.30 M1 Garand Rifle, and one (1) Cal.45 Norinco Pistol bearing.”

The former ASG members were turn over to the Municipal Task Force – Ending Local Armed Conflict (MTF-ELAC) of Pata in order to avail the ASG Returnee Reintegration Program of the government. During the event, the ASG returnees signed the peace covenant declaring the ASG and other lawless elements as Persona Non-Grata.

In a statement, Maj. Gen. Ignatius N. Patrimonio, Commander of the Joint Task Force Sulu and 11th Infantry Division lauded the efforts of the troops and acknowledged the support of local government units.

“Without your untiring efforts and support, we cannot achieve our mission to end local armed conflict here in the province of Sulu. Let us, therefore remain focused and I assure you that the JTF Sulu will continue to its task in order to accomplish its mission for the peace and development.”

The activity was witnessed by Pol. Col. Narciso C Paragas, Provincial Director, Sulu Provincial Police Office, Pata MTF-ELAC Council, and other local government officials.

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