Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City- The military in Basilan continues to gain ground as fourteen Abu Sayyaf Group personalities decided to lay down their arms and return to the folds of the law, according to military reports.
Of the fourteen, six were ASG members, while the eight others were ASG supporters. The former violent extremists (FVEs) and ASG supporters handed over their firearms to the 101st Infantry Brigade Commander Brig. Gen. Alvin Luzon at the unit’s headquarters in Barangay Tabiawan, Isabela City, Basilan.
According to Bgen Luzon; surrendered firearms consit of two 7.62mm M14 rifles, five 5.56mm M16 rifles, one 5.56 M653 rifle, two M79 grenade launchers, two Cal .30 M1 Garand rifles, and one 9mm Intratec TEC-KG9 assault rifle.
The surrender was made possible through the joint efforts of the 64th and 18th Infantry Battalions, 4th Special Forces Battalion, 5th Scout Ranger Battalion, and the intelligence units, Bgen Luzon disclosed yesterday.
He also attributed this accomplishment to the unwavering support of the Basilan Provincial Police Office and the Local Government Units of Sumisip, Hadji Mohammad Ajul, Tipo-Tipo, and Lantawan, all of Basilan Province.
The surrendered personalities are currently undergoing custodial debriefing while their firearms were initially deposited at the 101Bde headquarters for proper verification, documentation, and disposition.
Western Mindanao Command Chief, Maj. Gen. Steve Crespillo commended the ASG personalities for making the right decision. “Rest assured that we will help them to start anew through the reintegration programs of the government.”
