AFP programs lure rebels back to gov’t

President Rodrigo Duterte inspects the firearms collected from rebel returnees in Capiz last week. (PCOO)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines-Western Mindanao Command expects more Abu Sayyaf terrorists to surrender as a result of the plans and programs they have initiated to assist them post-surrender.

AFP-WestMinCom chief Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana reported the surrender of three Abu Sayyaf Group members under ASG sub-leader Nur Hassan in Basilan on Saturday.

Khadaffy Kalitut, 17th in the PSR (Periodic Status Report) list, Aliman Langkasan and Jiyad Arabin turned themselves in to the Army’s 18th Infantry Battalion in Route Perez, Ungkaya Pukan, Basilan Province and handed over an M16 rifle, a Garand rifle and one M1 carbine.

“With all the programs and projects we implemented to assist our brothers and sisters who decided to return to the mainstream of society, we expect for more surrenders in the coming days,” Sobejana said.

“The WestMinCom’s campaign against violent extremism reaps good results as more terrorists yield to the government forces in its area of operation.”

The successful surrender of the three was also facilitated by Limbo-Upas, Tipo Tipo Barangay chair Ismael Dampol.

“The success of our campaign is attributed to all the people who actively support us in all our endeavors,” Sobejana said.