Basilan Abu Sayyaf members surrender
The former ASGs were previously operating under Basilan-based ASG-sub leader Pasil Bayali
ISABELA CITY, Basilan Province — At least 14 individuals believed to be members of the Abu Sayyaf Group surrendered to authorities recently and turned over their high-powered firearms after their leader succumbed to bullet wounds a few days after they had an encounter with state troops.
The intensified counter-terrorism campaign of the 101st Infantry (Three-Red Arrows) Brigade also pressured the former ASG gunmen in Basilan to surrender on Wednesday.
Brig. Gen. Alvin V. Luzon, 101st Infantry (Three-Red Arrows) Brigade of the 1st Infantry Division, immediately presented the ASG surrenderers to Join Task Force Orion commander Maj. Gen Ignatius Patrimonio in Barangay Tabiawan, Isabela City.
Luzon identified the former ASGs as Absar Amana alias Tarih; Najer Lakibul alias Black; Etang Awal alias Kaet; Masber Hoben alias Halifa; Tot Awal alias Abu Daud; Omar Salim Awal alias Omar; alas Matsur: a certain Oto; Datu; Iroy; Hariya Palinta; Puran Abuhon; Aksan M. Mijan and Ngut.
They turned over at least 13 high-powered firearms which include five M16 Rifles: one M653, two M14 Rifles: one M1 Garand Rifle; two M79 Grenade launchers and two 9MM Intratec TEC-KG9 Assault Rifles.
The former ASGs were previously operating under Basilan-based ASG-sub leader Pasil Bayali, who reportedly succumbed to death due to wounds he incurred during an earlier skirmish with the government troops in undisclosed forested areas in the province.
Bayali's death apparently had thrown the other ASG members in disarray, forcing them to bend over to the folds of the law.
"The voluntary surrender of the 14 former ASGs demonstrated the success of collaboration among Local Government Units, the military and the communities," said Luzon.
As part of the reintegration program, the 14 former ASGs will go through the standard deradicalization process before being reintegrated into society and enjoying the peaceful ways of life.
The 14 former ASGs are eligible for cash assistance to help them transition back to normal life as part of the Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program of the government.