Camp Bautista, Jolo, Sulu - December 9, 2023
12 Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members voluntarily surrendered to the security forces at the 101st Infantry Brigade headquarters in Barangay Tabiawan, Isabela City, Basilan on December 6, 2023. The former 12 ASG members were presented by 101st Infantry Brigade Commander Brig. Gen. Alvin Luzon to Maj. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio, Commander of the 11th Infantry “Alakdan” Division and Joint Task Force (JTF) Orion.
During the presentation, Brig. Gen. Luzon said, "the voluntary surrender of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members is a result of the collaborative efforts of the Provincial and Municipal Local Government Units, security sectors, and the communities in the province of Basilan.”
“The 12 former ASG members are under the late ASG sub-leaders Furuji Indama and Rhadzmil Jannatul. They turned-over three (3) M1 Garand rifles, one (1) M16 rifle, one (1) M14 rifle, one (1) Cal 7.62mm L1A1 (FAL) Rifle, one (1) Cal 5.56mm Galil Rifle, one (1) carbine rifle, one (1) shotgun, one (1) Cal.45 Pistol, and two (2) Cal 40mm M79 grenade launchers. The surrendered firearms were deposited at the 101st Infantry Brigade headquarters for verification and proper documentation,” said Brig. Gen. Luzon.
Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Patrimonio lauded the collaborative efforts of the 101st Infantry Brigade, LGUs, andcthe communities. He also expressed his appreciation to the former ASG members for returning to the fold of law and embracing peaceful living.
"As we continue to intensify our ongoing efforts to eradicate the remaining ASG remnants with an end-in-view of ending the local armed conflict, we must continue to collaborate towards our common vision of lasting peace and sustainable development in the province of Basilan,” said Maj. Gen. Patrimonio.
Maj. Gen. Patrmonio added saying, “I urge the remaining ASG members to surrender voluntarily, live normally, and start anew with your families, love ones, and relatives. Take advantage of the government’s reintegration programs, and we are committed to assist you as you take the normal path of your lives."
"Rest assured that JTF Orion will remain dedicated and will fulfill its mandated task in securing and sustaining the peace and stability in the province of Sulu and Basilan," Maj. Gen. Patrimonio concluded.
The event was witnessed by Hon. Talib G Pawaki, Mayor of Hadji Mohammad Ajul; Hadji Samad Ahaddin, Support Staff MILF CCCH; members of JPST Sumisip and Tipo-Tipo led by PSSg Sonny D Kalinggalan; Hon. Kahlid H Jainatul, Sangguniang Bayan member of Al Barka, and Staff of JTF Orion.
Since the activation of JTF Orion, a total of 28 FVEs went back to the fold of law of which a total of 15 high-powered firearms and 6 low-powered firearms have been handed-over to the security forces in Basilan.
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