Basilan ASG members wave white flag

ISABELA CITY, Basilan — The last four notorious Basilan-based Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members of the Tawakkal Bayali group, together with four other followers, voluntarily surrendered and turned over 10 high-caliber assault firearms and assorted ammunition to the military in Sumisip town in Basilan Province.

101st Infantry (Three Red Arrows) Brigade commander Brig. Gen. Alvin Luzon on Friday disclosed that the four ASG members operating under the “Tawakkal Bayali Group” and four followers personally surrendered to him at the Barangay Hall of Barangay Guiong in Sumisip at about 11 a.m. on Thursday.

Luzon said their surrender, a day after Christmas, is the best gift they ever gave to the people of Basilan, particularly those in Sumisip.

He identified the four ASG Tawakkal Bayali Group as Tawakkal Bayali alias Jaber, the group leader; Abul Bayali alias Yajid; Julhair Bayali alias Juhah; and Hasib Tularan alias Dadih.

Their four followers were identified as Yusup Bayali, Marjan Bayali, Makrin Bayali and Apong Upaman.

They brought along with them five high-powered firearms: one M203 grenade launcher; three M16 rifles; and one Cal. 30 carbine rifle, with assorted ammunition.

The surrender of the four ASG members and four followers was an answer to their desire to return to the folds of the law and to live normal lives with their families, according to Luzon.

According to Luzon, the surrender of the remaining ASG in the province was due to the relentless effort of the 101st Infantry Brigade, 32nd IB, 4th Special Forces Battalion, 18th Infantry Battalion, and 45th IB in collaboration with Sumisip Local Government Unit headed by Mayor Jul-Adnan Hataman and Vice Mayor Gulam “Boy” Hataman.

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front to the Coordinating Committees on the Cessation of Hostilities Basilan headed by Hadji Samad Atain; and 114th Based Command, Moro Islamic Liberation Front-Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces headed by Amir Sauran Mingkong and Rajan Abdurahman, Deputy Commander, MILF Guerilla Warfare also facilitated their surrender to the government.

In his message, Mayor Hataman stressed that Sumisip wants to have lasting peace to open its door for continuing progress and sustainable development.

“Their surrender is crucial for the municipality of Sumisip as he thanked the military for their dedication and commitment to ensuring and providing a safe and secure environment for the Basileños,” said Hataman.

On the other hand, he expressed his gratitude and appreciation to Mayor Jul-Adnan and Vice Mayor Boy Hataman for leading the facilitation of the surrender.

“I lauded their decision of the Tawakkal Bayali group to lay down arms and join the mainstream society. Your surrender is not only for you, your families, and your future but also for the province of Basilan, paving the way for peace and development. Let us altogether declare that Basilan is now ASG-free,” Luzon said.