Camp Bautista, Jolo, Sulu - May 24, 2023
Eight (8) former Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members voluntarily surrender to Brig. Gen. Giovanni T. Franza, Commander of 1102nd Infantry "Ganarul" Brigade in Barangay Tandu Bato, Luuk, Sulu on May 23, 2023.
The former ASG members turned over five (5) garand rifles, one (1) thompson pistol, and one (1) Cal. 38 pistol. Thereafter, they took their oath of allegiance to the government and to support its peace and development efforts. They have also received grocery items and rice assistance from the military and local government units.
Mr. Noneyrie Asiri, Focal Person of the Sulu Provincial Task Force in Ending Local Armed Conflict (PTF-ELAC) said, " This activity is a testament of our collective vision of a united, prosperous, and peaceful Sulu. Your surrender symbolizes the relative peace we are now enjoying in our province. We are all therefore instrumental in this narrative of change. To our ASG returnees, we will support you and let us sustain the peace and prosperity in the province through your commitment and cooperation."
Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Franza said, "Thru the efforts of 21st Infantry Battalion and 101st Infantry Battalion, the following ASG members voluntarily surrendered: @Abdu and @Najar Sampang both under late ASG leader @Apoh Mike; @Asis, @Hji Ruden, and @Hadi all under late Alhabsy Misaya; Jerimar Ahmad under late ASG leader Latip Sape; @Aljim under ASG Subleader Hairulla Asbang; and @Pas under late ASG leader Isnilon Hapilon."
"Ang ating mithiin ay magkaroon tayo ng lugar na yayakapin ang kapayapaan at unti-unti na natin itong nakakamtan. Congratulations sa inyong lahat dahil inyong naisipan na magbalik-loob sa gobyerno dahil yan ang pinaka magandang desisyon para sa inyong mga sarili at kapakanan ng inyong pamilya. Ngayon napatunayan na natin na kaya nating magkaisa para sa kapayapaan dito sa Sulu," Brig. Gen. Franza concluded.
The event was witnessed by Col. Mario D. Jacinto the Deputy Brigade Commander of 1102Bde; Lt. Col. Homer A. Estolas, Commanding Officer of 21IB; Lt. Col. Michael T. Demafelix, Commanding Officer of 101IB; Mr. Nur-raez Omar, Tourism Officer of Luuk; and representatives of the local government units of Omar, Pata, and Luuk.
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