From the Mindanao Examiner (Aug 18, 2023): 2 Sayyaf men surrender in Sulu, 14 towns now Abu-Sayyaf-free
SULU - Two Abu Sayyaf fighters have surrendered to the government as the military declared 14 municipalities in the southern Muslim province of Sulu as Abu Sayyaf-free after decades of fighting.
A provincial government photo shows Gov. Sakur Tan handing out a check to one of two Abu Sayyaf members who surrendered on Thursday in Sulu province. The military says 14 out of 19 towns are now Abu Sayyaf-free.
Gov. Sakur Tan said the duo - 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.
The ceremony held on Thursday was witnessed by senior military officials led by Maj. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio, commander of the 11th Infantry Division; and municipal and provincial government officials headed by Vice Gov. Toto Tan.
The Philippine Army's 11th Infantry Division shows a map of areas that are now cleared of Abu Sayyaf influence in Sulu as Gov. Sakur Tan and other municipal mayors watch the presentation on Thursday at the Capitol in Patikul town.
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 we have in Sulu, today. “I am very grateful for the opportunity given to me to have witnessed and to experience more than five decades of various socio-political conditions and significant events in Sulu’s timeline,” he said.
The military earlier declared the province as Abu Sayyaf-free.
https://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2023/08/2-sayyaf-men-surrender-14-towns-now-abu.html
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 we have in Sulu, today. “I am very grateful for the opportunity given to me to have witnessed and to experience more than five decades of various socio-political conditions and significant events in Sulu’s timeline,” he said.
The military earlier declared the province as Abu Sayyaf-free.
https://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2023/08/2-sayyaf-men-surrender-14-towns-now-abu.html
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