14 Sulu towns Abu Sayyaf-free

From the Manila Times (Aug 19, 2023): 14 Sulu towns Abu Sayyaf-free (By Al Jacinto)

ZAMBOANGA CITY: Two Abu Sayyaf fighters surrendered as the military declared 14 municipalities in the southern Muslim province of Sulu as Abu Sayyaf-free after decades of fighting.

Gov. Sakur Tan said Adzmir Makiji Siri from Talipao town, and Aifer Heirala, a native of Patikul town, received P65,000 each in cash and livelihood assistance under the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

CASH AID Sulu Gov. Sakur Tan hands over a check to one of two Abu Sayyaf members who surrendered on Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023, in Sulu province. The military says 14 out of 19 towns are now Abu Sayyaf-free. PHOTO BY AL JACINTO

The handing of cash assistance in a ceremony was held on Thursday, August 17, and witnessed by senior military officials led by Maj. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio, commander of the Philippine Army's 11th Infantry Division, and municipal and provincial government officials headed by Vice Gov. Toto Tan.

Patrimonio said that 14 out of 19 towns — Jolo, Maimbung, Talipao, Indanan, Patikul, Omar, Luuk, Kalingalang Caluang, Panamao, Banguingui, Panglima Estino, Pata, Lugus and Tapul — are now free from the Abu Sayyaf group.

He said the mass surrender of Abu Sayyaf members through the Community Support Program Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism and efforts of the provincial and municipal leaders resulted in the improved peace and order situation in Sulu, one of six provinces under the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Tan congratulated the military and municipal mayors, including the religious sector and other stakeholders "for their roles and sacrifices and for a job well done in achieving this excellent result."

The governor said he is fortunate to have witnessed the varied condition and significant situation in the recent past, up to the present status that Sulu has today.

"I am very grateful for the opportunity given to me to have witnessed and to experience more than five decades of various sociopolitical conditions and significant events in Sulu's timeline," he said.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/08/19/regions/14-sulu-towns-abu-sayyaf-free/1906018