A member of the Sulu-based Abu Sayyaf Group laid down his arm and returned to the folds of the law the other day.
He was identified through his alias as “Bas”, 23, male, single, and a resident of Barangay Lubok-Lubok, Panglima Estino, Sulu submitted himself to Lt. Col. Benito Ramos, Jr., Commanding Officer of the 2nd Special Forces Battalion. He was subsequently presented to Brig. Gen. Eugenio Boquio, Commander of the 1101st Infantry Brigade and Mayor Morsid Estino at the Municipal Hall of Panglima Estino. The former violent extremist (FVE) handed over one M16 rifle to the military.
During the initial debriefing, ‘ Bas’ said that he was a follower of ASG subleader Jaber Susukan and that he got tired of moving from one place to another while trying to evade the government forces.
Joint Task Force Sulu Commander, Maj. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio said that the FVE will be recommended for inclusion in the Localized Social Integration Program thru the Municipal Task Force to End Local Armed Conflict (MTF-ELAC) of Panglima Estino.
Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr., Commander of Western Mindanao Command, reiterated his call for the remaining Abu Sayyaf Group members, especially those from Sulu Province, to surrender the soonest.
“The government through the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the local government units have prepared reintegration and livelihood programs for those who have surrendered and will surrender to ensure that they will not be lured by ill beliefs and practices again”, said Rosario.
Since January of this year, a total of 179 ASG personalities already surrendered in Sulu. Of the number, 141 were regular members while 38 were supporters. (Victor Baldemor)
