Kidnap for ransom members wave white flag

ZAMBOANGA CITY — The Joint Task Force Central reported on Tuesday that four individuals believed to be members of the Pentagon Kidnap for Ransom Group operating in M'lang, Cotabato Province surrendered to soldiers and turned over their high-powered firearms as a gesture of their sincere desire to return to the folds of the law.

JTF-Central commander Major General Alex Rillera disclosed that soldiers from the 90th Infantry Battalion and 602nd Infantry Brigade facilitated their surrender on 16 October.

Rillera identified the four as alias Robs, alias Papya, alias Mista and alias Ronnie, all residents of Barangay Gaunan in M'lang municipality.

The four also turned over their high-powered firearms — two Garand rifles, one Cal .50 Sniper rifle, two rocket-propelled grenades, one round of RPG ammunition, and three rounds of Grenade Launcher ammunition.

According to Rillera the four were associates and supporters of the known Pentagon Kidnap for Ransom Group under the late Tahir Alonto and  operating around M'lang town and its adjacent towns.

AFP-Western Mindanao Command chief Maj. Gen. Steve Crespillo said the surrender of the four and turnover of their high-powered firearms was a result of the continuing efforts of the JTF-Central.

The efforts also aim to maintain the peace and stability in the area and  to uphold a safe and secure Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections 2023.

"This success is attributable to the collaborative efforts of the infantry and intelligence units of the JTF-Central and the local government unit of M'lang," Crespillo said.

Crespillo also assured the four and their families that the government will extend all the needed assistance as they reunite with their respective families.

Meanwhile, a member of the New People's Army also surrendered to the state government forces in Barangay Mirab, Upi, Maguindanao del Norte on 15 October.